In this episode, we interview David Vine, who is a Professor of Anthropology at American University.  His new book is entitled: The United States of War: A Global History of America's Endless Conflicts, from Columbus to the Islamic State  (UC Press). It is a provocative examination of how the U.S. military has shaped our entire world, from today’s multi-trillion-dollar decades-long wars to the prominence of violence and militarism in everyday American life. He examines the global matrix of U.S. foreign military bases, the existence of which, Vine argues, makes offensive interventionist wars more likely, creating a self-perpetuating system of permanent conflict. 

Vine draws on almost two decades of first-hand research in fourteen countries and territories, as well as on military bases, to expose the political interests, profit motivation, racism, and toxic masculinity underlying the country’s relationship to war and empire, and to examine the infrastructure that has made war a tempting first resort for resolving conflicts and exerting power. As President Biden begins the process of withdrawal from Afghanistan after 20 years at war, please consider speaking to Professor Vine about the long history of the US’s military conflicts.