Ukraine War Upd. EXTRA: Russian Use of Antisemitism, Titushkys, Oil & US Politics Sidebar
Table of Contents 📖
Hello Team
🎦 00:00-00:14⏩
Jonathan welcomes viewers to another ATP Geopolitics 'extra' video, focusing on providing insightful 'tidbits and nuggets' related to the war in Ukraine.
Return to top⤴️
Russian Antisemitism & Disinformation
🎦 00:14-10:10⏩
Jonathan discusses a thread by Pekka Kalyaniemi highlighting Russia's use of anti-Semitism as a disinformation tactic. Key points include:
- A 2023 survey revealed that nearly 30 million Russians (out of a population of 140 million) harbor anti-Semitic attitudes, with a significant number blaming Jews for global conflicts and perceiving them as wielding excessive power in the business world.
- Russia's Jewish population has seen a drastic decline, dwindling from 880,000 in 1991 to a mere 83,000 in 2021.
- Following the October 2023 Hamas attacks, the Kremlin shifted its stance, labeling Israel and the US as aggressors and even hosting Hamas leaders in Moscow. This marked a departure from their previously pro-Israel position.
- Jonathan recounts the incident at Makachkala airport where Russians targeted Jewish individuals, a disturbing event that was later falsely attributed to Ukrainians by Russian authorities.
- He plays a clip of Israeli politician Amir Ohana on Russia Today, where Ohana passionately condemns Russia for supporting Hamas and vows retaliation for their actions. Jonathan acknowledges the complex nature of the Israel-Hamas conflict while highlighting the potential ramifications for Ukraine if Israel were to take a stronger stance against Russia.
- Jonathan criticizes Russia's propagation of anti-Semitic conspiracy theories, such as the "Zionist globalist elites" narrative, drawing attention to the dangers of such propaganda. He notes how Russia attempts to discredit Zelensky by labeling him an "inauthentic Jew" due to his Jewish faith. This is further exemplified by Putin's derogatory remarks towards Zelensky.
Kremlin Disinformation & Hybrid Warfare Tactics
🎦 10:10-17:31⏩
Jonathan continues dissecting the Kalyaniemi thread, focusing on how the Kremlin exploits and amplifies existing social and political divisions in the West to spread disinformation:
- He delves into Russia's use of online platforms and troll farms to disseminate propaganda, particularly during elections.
- He brings up the incident in France where Stars of David were spray-painted around Paris, speculating about Russian involvement while also acknowledging the complex social dynamics at play in French society. He highlights the strategic intent behind such actions, which is not necessarily rooted in genuine anti-Semitism but rather aims to exacerbate existing societal tensions.
- Jonathan emphasizes that Russia's strategy is often not about inventing entirely new narratives but rather amplifying pre-existing grievances and conflicts to create an illusion of widespread anger and unrest. He likens this to the "Marjorie Taylor Greene effect," where politicians are surrounded by online echo chambers that distort their perception of public sentiment.
Identity Politics & Societal Manipulation
🎦 17:31-26:44⏩
Jonathan goes on a tangent about identity politics and societal manipulation, arguing that while these issues are often real, they are disproportionately amplified to distract from more pressing concerns:
- He uses the example of transgender bathroom access, arguing that while it's a valid topic for discussion, it pales in comparison to issues like inflation, healthcare, and education. He criticizes politicians who prioritize these divisive cultural issues over substantive policy, suggesting it reveals a lack of genuine solutions.
- Jonathan urges viewers to be critical of information consumed online, as social media algorithms and malicious actors often manipulate and amplify specific narratives. He emphasizes the need to prioritize critical thinking and focus on issues that genuinely impact daily life.
Titushkys in Georgia
🎦 26:44-36:54⏩
Jonathan shifts focus to Georgia, drawing parallels between events there and Russia's modus operandi. He details the use of "Titushkys" – paid thugs – to suppress protests and intimidate the opposition.
- He expresses concern about the situation in Georgia, particularly the Georgian Dream party's turn towards authoritarian tactics under the influence of Bidzina Ivanishvili.
- He details the use of violence and intimidation against protestors and opposition figures, highlighting the role of Titushkys in creating an atmosphere of fear. He provides specific examples of violence and vandalism perpetrated by Titushkys, emphasizing the impunity they seem to enjoy.
- Jonathan criticizes the hypocrisy of Georgian Dream politicians who enjoy the benefits of Western societies while employing tactics reminiscent of a bygone era.
- He discusses the potential for sanctions against Georgia as a means of applying pressure for change, while acknowledging the delicate balance between punishment and engagement.
US Politics Sidebar: ADM, Oil & the 2024 Election
🎦 36:54-52:04⏩
Jonathan segues into a discussion about US politics, specifically the upcoming 2024 Presidential election, and its potential impact on Ukraine.
- He first criticizes the American food giant ADM for its ties to companies involved in stealing Ukrainian grain and utilizing forced labor in China. He points out the complex web of subsidiaries and financial obfuscation often employed by such corporations to obscure their unethical practices.
- Jonathan then praises Biden's handling of oil prices during the energy crisis sparked by the war in Ukraine. He commends Biden for utilizing the strategic petroleum reserve to stabilize prices and counter OPEC's production cuts, contrasting this with Trump's simplistic "drill, baby, drill" rhetoric. He sees this as a demonstration of Biden's pragmatic approach to economic management.
- He analyzes the potential impact of Trump's proposed economic policies, arguing that tax cuts for the wealthy, tariffs, and mass deportations would likely exacerbate inflation, directly impacting ordinary Americans. Jonathan suggests that Biden should focus on highlighting the detrimental effects of Trump's policies on everyday people.
- Jonathan analyzes recent polling data and special election results, noting a potential shift in momentum towards Biden. He believes that the economy and inflation will be pivotal issues in the election, and that Biden is well-positioned to win based on his handling of these issues. He concludes by discussing the upcoming presidential debates, suggesting that their format might favor Biden and hinder Trump's typical performance style.
Wrap Up
🎦 52:04-52:56⏩
Jonathan wraps up the video, summarizing his key takeaways regarding US politics and reiterating his belief that Biden is likely to win the 2024 election. He signs off by thanking viewers for their support and reminding them to like, subscribe, and share the video.
Return to top⤴️
"If you're going to the voting booth and your head is packed full of culture wars shite. Right. You have been duped."