Ukraine War BREAKING NEWS: US Gives Power to China/Russia, Defunds all Soft Power

"In broad daylight, you are seeing the US gut itself. And there appears to be nothing anyone could do about it."

Hello Team

🎦 00:00-00:10⏩
Jonathan welcomes viewers to another ATP Geopolitics breaking news update.

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US cedes power to Russia and China

🎦 00:11-01:36⏩
Jonathan explains that the US has given up on soft power, handing the keys to China and Russia. They are moving towards a hybrid of isolationism, stepping back from global engagement and trade while aiming for self-sufficiency by expanding to neighboring regions for resources. Jonathan questions the accuracy of the "tripolar" understanding of the world with American, Russian, and Chinese empires but acknowledges the US is currently benefitting Russia. Jonathan highlights how the US now views Europe as an enemy.

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Voice of America silenced after 83 years

🎦 01:37-03:00⏩
Jonathan reveals that the US has silenced the Voice of America (VOA) after 83 years, forcing over 1,000 journalists and staff to leave. For decades, VOA was a reliable source of information in 48 languages, especially within dictatorships. Jonathan highlights the significance of this event by sharing quotes from Michael Abramowitz, the VOA director, who expressed his sadness over the station's silencing.

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China and Russia increase global broadcasting, US in retreat

🎦 03:00-04:05⏩
Jonathan, citing Anne Applebaum, points out the contrast in global broadcasting strategies: China is investing billions, Russia is increasing funding for RT and Sputnik, establishing a media hub in Addis Ababa for better African reach. Jonathan highlights Trump's order to gut VOA and other agencies. Jonathan expresses his concern about the US handing power directly to Russia and China by destroying its own broadcasting capabilities.

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Impact on democracy and freedom

🎦 04:05-06:04⏩
Jonathan, quoting Michael Abramowitz, emphasizes that VOA's mission was to promote freedom and democracy by telling America's story and providing objective news, especially to those living under tyranny. Jonathan argues that even if the agency survives, its ability to foster a world where the truth matters has been severely damaged. He concludes by highlighting the dedication of VOA staff who came from authoritarian regimes seeking freedom of the press, emphasizing the loss of their voices.

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Radio Free Europe and Radio Liberty defunded

🎦 06:05-07:32⏩
Jonathan reports that Radio Free Europe and Radio Free Liberty (RFE/RL) have lost their funding. Chris Iwicki describes this as catastrophic. RFE/RL, instrumental in combating communism in Eastern Europe, released a statement deeming the funding cut a gift to America's enemies - a sentiment echoed by others who see it as another gift from Trump to Putin. Zarina Zabriskie draws a parallel to Putin's actions in 2000 when he shut down the independent TV channel NTV and established government control over it because it did not support him.

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Trump's attack on US media and erosion of democratic norms

🎦 07:32-09:00⏩
Jonathan discusses Trump's recent labeling of CNN and MSNBC as illegal and views it as a potential threat to free media. Jonathan observes that Trump is actively eroding democratic norms and institutions by dismantling checks and balances, including a free press that holds him accountable. Jonathan acknowledges the propaganda aspect of state-run media but argues that VOA differed from Sputnik and RT, promoting American freedom and denouncing authoritarianism. He links the defunding to the decline of American freedom and the rise of authoritarianism.

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Wilson Center and Kennan Institute shut down

🎦 09:00-10:16⏩
Jonathan reports the closure of the Wilson Center, including the Kennan Institute, both of which he has used as resources in his work. Tatra Gami, a Ukrainian source, labels the defunding of RFE/RL, the indefinite leave for VOA employees, and the closure of the Wilson Center as a devastating blow to democracy and a gift to authoritarian regimes. Anton Barbashin calls the Wilson Center's elimination a loss, particularly for Russia studies. Jonathan laments that the White House's justification of reducing bureaucracy masks the real intention of surrendering power to Russia.

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Executive order to reduce federal agencies

🎦 10:17-11:16⏩
Jonathan examines the executive order that eliminates non-statutory components of various governmental entities, including the U.S. Agency for Global Media (which includes VOA and RFE/RL), the Woodrow Wilson Center, and others. He criticizes the order's swift seven-day deadline and views it as a gutting of the United States, particularly alarming because it contrasts with China and Russia's actions.

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Consequences and reactions

🎦 11:17-12:31⏩
Jonathan predicts that Russia and China will increase funding for influence operations due to the US's retreat. He shares Representative Don Bacon's (a Republican and Ukraine supporter) view that VOA and RFE/RL play a crucial role in promoting American values like freedom, free markets, and the rule of law. Jonathan challenges Bacon's call for calm, arguing that the White House has openly admitted to these actions. He also includes a comment from a viewer in Prague, confirming the immediate halt of financing for Radio Free Liberty, labeling it a foolish decision.

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Radio Free Asia impacted, Jonathan's closing thoughts

🎦 12:32-14:43⏩
Jonathan reports that Radio Free Asia is also impacted. He reads a tweet from a journalist who expresses concern for their Radio Free Asia colleagues who have risked their lives reporting on authoritarian regimes. Jonathan concludes by expressing his astonishment at the United States' self-inflicted destruction, suggesting it indicates a relinquishing of global power. Jonathan believes that most Americans are unaware of these events' significance. He ends by urging viewers to share their thoughts and take care.

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