9 chapters across the catalog
The discussion explores the military concept of the "center of gravity," which Robert Greene suggests should be the focus of counter-terrorism rather than direct military force. The hosts identify Iran, North Korea, and Taiwan as modern centers of gravity. They discuss how small geopolitical "pebbles" are kicked to start avalanches of chaos across the globe.
The hosts begin a sequential review of Greene's strategies. Strategy 1 involves identifying and declaring war on enemies to gain purpose. They discuss how media figures like Judge Jeanine use fear of a nuclear Iran to energize audiences. They also note the strategic timing of films like Oppenheimer and Barbie in shaping public sentiment.
Strategy 2 emphasizes reacting to the present rather than repeating tired formulas. The hosts discuss how "rumors of war" are more cost-effective than actual combat. They touch on the death of Henry Kissinger and upcoming leadership changes in NATO as part of a larger global setup, while noting that the public is often distracted by memes and specific flags.
The historical roots of American power are linked to the global opium trade, citing the wealth of families like the Delanos (FDR's ancestors) and institutions like Harvard and Yale. The hosts argue that the CIA continues this legacy by protecting poppy fields in Afghanistan and managing the domestic drug market for profit and power. They suggest that the "swamp" Trump aimed to drain is actually this deeply entrenched, multi-generational criminal organization.
Latasha Brown of "Black Voters Matter" discusses black voter frustration and the "record turnout" narrative. A CBS News report then pivots to "international plots" from Iran and Russia to disrupt the election. The hosts point out the conspicuous absence of China from the list of potential meddlers, despite China having the most to gain from a Trump defeat.
The segment examines the "angry black man" trope and how the Obama administration used a Key & Peele sketch featuring "Luther," the anger translator, to address public perceptions. While some viewed the trope as a fear held by white voters, others suggest it was a way to give Obama "black credibility" or "gangster" narrative appeal.
The hosts point out the irony of Ronald Reagan's role in gun control and Oliver North's tenure as NRA president despite his involvement in the Iran-Contra scandal. They characterize the NRA's selective advocacy as a form of systemic bigotry or classism that ignores the needs of poor and minority gun owners.
General Wesley Clark’s revelation regarding a Pentagon memo post-9/11 is highlighted, detailing a plan to "take out" seven countries in five years. The list included Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Iran. The discussion notes that many of these countries have since been destabilized, suggesting a long-term strategic roadmap for the global empire.
The hosts discuss the immense psychological stress faced by police officers, particularly in hostile environments like New York City. Mo notes the historical irony that Black politicians originally called for heavy policing during the War on Drugs. This led to over-policing and the infamous sentencing disparity between crack and powder cocaine, which Mo links to government-sanctioned drug trafficking.
