DeepSummary
Steve Forbes criticizes the Biden administration's weak response to threats against the principle of freedom of navigation in international waters. He highlights the Houthi attacks on shipping in the Red Sea, which are disrupting global trade, and accuses the US of failing to adequately punish Iran for backing the Houthis. Forbes also condemns China's militarization of the South China Sea and its harassment of fishing boats, arguing that the US has not done enough to counter Chinese expansionism in the region.
According to Forbes, this reluctance to firmly defend freedom of navigation sets a dangerous precedent that emboldens adversaries like China, Iran, Russia, and North Korea. He warns that such feebleness can lead to a major war, as it invites more aggressive moves from these countries.
Forbes emphasizes the historical importance of freedom of the seas for American foreign policy, citing past conflicts like the Barbary Wars and World War I where the US defended this principle. He argues that maintaining open access to international waterways has been a key task for the US Navy since World War II, but the current administration's equivocation on these issues threatens global safety.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- China is militarizing the South China Sea and harassing other nations' vessels in a bid to control the region.
- The Biden administration's weak response to threats against freedom of navigation in key waterways emboldens US adversaries and increases risks of conflict.
- Houthi attacks on Red Sea shipping, backed by Iran, are severely disrupting global trade with few consequences.
- Failing to firmly defend the principle of freedom of navigation sets a dangerous precedent and signals American weakness.
- Maintaining open access to international waters has historically been a core US foreign policy goal since the early 19th century.
- The current situation, if left unchecked, raises the possibility of escalating geopolitical tensions and a potential major war.
- Past US military actions like combating Barbary pirates and joining World War I were motivated by threats to shipping rights.
- Global trade and economic costs are rising due to insecurity along vital maritime supply routes.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “The Houthi assaults have severely disrupted shipping as vessels are being rerouted, raising costs.“ by Steve Forbes
- “Such feebleness can only invite more aggressive moves by China, Iran, Russia and North Korea. This is what can lead to a major war.“ by Steve Forbes
- “One factor that is making the global situation the most menacing since the 1930s, when a series of catastrophic mistakes led to the Second World War, is the Biden administration's astonishingly weak, uncertain response to brazen assaults on the concept of freedom of navigation.“ by Steve Forbes
- “One of the key tasks of our navy since World War two has has been to ensure open access to international waterways.“ by Steve Forbes
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Episode Information
Steve Forbes: What's Ahead
Forbes
6/25/24
Steve Forbes slams President Biden's hesitation to defend freedom of navigation, from dithering in addressing the Houthi threat to standing firm against Chinese expansionism—and warns that this weakness imperils global safety.
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