War Expert WARNS: "You Can't Stop What's Coming"

Summary

Professor Jiang Xueqin argues that a different US approach to Israel and the Middle East might have helped prevent later escalation. He contrasts the 1990s “Washington Consensus”—the belief that trade and economic integration could foster peace—with the 1996 Clean Break policy paper prepared for Benjamin Netanyahu.

In Jiang’s account, the paper rejected land-for-peace and the Oslo framework, called for Israeli regional dominance by weakening adversaries, and favored proactive military action. He says these aims have largely been pursued and that the US should have used its influence to press Israel toward peace.

Jiang believes it may now be too late to reverse course. He argues that geopolitical tensions have already undermined the conditions for global trade and created risks of conflict involving China and Japan, as well as Germany and Russia.

Faith, Family, and Crisis

Asked how ordinary people should respond, Jiang recommends faith and attention to family. He says his belief in God gives him a sense of order and hope, and that faith carries a responsibility to speak publicly about what one believes to be true.

He presents hardship and crisis as possible prompts to reconsider what matters, deepen relationships, and grow spiritually.

Artificial Intelligence

Jiang warns that disrupted supply chains may limit AI’s development as a tool for solving major human problems, while crises could accelerate its use for surveillance and control.

His deeper concern is that AI may devalue human experience and distract people from qualities such as love, compassion, imagination, and spiritual growth.

Love and Purpose

Jiang says his children give him hope and a sense of purpose. He describes love as trusting others and allowing them freedom, rather than trying to control their lives.

Presenters and Contributors

• Steven Bartlett: Host and interviewer
• Professor Jiang Xueqin: Guest