Uploaded January 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
In this wide-ranging Q&A, I tackle some of the most difficult and uncomfortable questions shaping today’s international order. We start by looking at spheres of influence and double standards in global politics, asking why the United States’ Monroe Doctrine is often treated as legitimate while Russia’s claims over Ukraine are rejected. I also address whether China really poses a greater strategic threat to Europe than the United States, particularly in light of recent American trade pressure, sanctions, and challenges to European sovereignty. Along the way, we examine US actions in Venezuela, compare them to earlier interventions such as Iraq, and ask whether the so-called “rules-based international order” has ever truly existed, or whether it has always been selectively applied by Western powers.
The discussion then turns to recognition, sovereignty, and legitimacy in international law. I explore whether states can withdraw recognition from others, how claims over territories like Greenland fit into international norms, and why Western governments treat cases such as Kosovo and Somaliland so differently. We also look ahead, considering whether US pressure on Cuba could escalate further, and what reforms international institutions need if the Global South is to gain a more meaningful voice. Finally, on a more personal note, I answer a question about how to stay informed without being overwhelmed by global turmoil, and how to engage with world politics without losing perspective.
*VIDEO CHAPTERS*
00:00 Introduction and Titles
00:25 Why Can the US Have a Sphere of Influence But Not Russia?
08:47 Is the US a Greater Threat to Europe than China?
16:23 Did the International Rules-Based Order Ever Truly Exist?
24:04 Will Trump Target Cuba Next?
30:18 Can the US Derecognise Denmark’s Sovereignty over Greenland?
35:01 The Recognition of Somaliland vs Kosovo
39:27 How Do We Give the Global South a Greater Voice?
45:13 How Do You Cope with Depressing World News?
*SUPPORT INDEPENDENT ANALYSIS*
If you enjoy the channel and would like to support independent analysis of international relations, conflict, and security, there are several ways you can help:
SUBSCRIBE FOR FREE
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JOIN THE COMMUNITY AND BECOME A CHANNEL MEMBER
YouTube: youtube.com/c/JamesKerLindsay/join
Patreon: patreon.com/JamesKerLindsay
*MY LATEST BOOK!*
Secession and State Creation: What Everyone Needs to Know
Oxford University Press global.oup.com/academic/product/secession-and-state-creation-9780190494049
Amazon amzn.to/2MPY3W2
Some of the links above are affiliate links. These pay a small commission if you make a purchase. This helps to support the channel at no additional cost to you.
#InternationalRelations #GlobalPolitics #WorldAffairs
In this wide-ranging Q&A, I tackle some of the most difficult and uncomfortable questions shaping today’s international order. We start by looking at spheres of influence and double standards in global politics, asking why the United States’ Monroe Doctrine is often treated as legitimate while Russia’s claims over Ukraine are rejected. I also address whether China really poses a greater strategic threat to Europe than the United States, particularly in light of recent American trade pressure, sanctions, and challenges to European sovereignty. Along the way, we examine US actions in Venezuela, compare them to earlier interventions such as Iraq, and ask whether the so-called “rules-based international order” has ever truly existed, or whether it has always been selectively applied by Western powers.
The discussion then turns to recognition, sovereignty, and legitimacy in international law. I explore whether states can withdraw recognition from others, how claims over territories like Greenland fit into international norms, and why Western governments treat cases such as Kosovo and Somaliland so differently. We also look ahead, considering whether US pressure on Cuba could escalate further, and what reforms international institutions need if the Global South is to gain a more meaningful voice. Finally, on a more personal note, I answer a question about how to stay informed without being overwhelmed by global turmoil, and how to engage with world politics without losing perspective.
*VIDEO CHAPTERS*
00:00 Introduction and Titles
00:25 Why Can the US Have a Sphere of Influence But Not Russia?
08:47 Is the US a Greater Threat to Europe than China?
16:23 Did the International Rules-Based Order Ever Truly Exist?
24:04 Will Trump Target Cuba Next?
30:18 Can the US Derecognise Denmark’s Sovereignty over Greenland?
35:01 The Recognition of Somaliland vs Kosovo
39:27 How Do We Give the Global South a Greater Voice?
45:13 How Do You Cope with Depressing World News?
*SUPPORT INDEPENDENT ANALYSIS*
If you enjoy the channel and would like to support independent analysis of international relations, conflict, and security, there are several ways you can help:
SUBSCRIBE FOR FREE
youtube.com/channel/UCEszqJb1FjYisBevHBIof3g
youtube.com/c/JamesKerLindsay?sub_confirmation=1
JOIN THE COMMUNITY AND BECOME A CHANNEL MEMBER
YouTube: youtube.com/c/JamesKerLindsay/join
Patreon: patreon.com/JamesKerLindsay
*MY LATEST BOOK!*
Secession and State Creation: What Everyone Needs to Know
Oxford University Press global.oup.com/academic/product/secession-and-state-creation-9780190494049
Amazon amzn.to/2MPY3W2
Some of the links above are affiliate links. These pay a small commission if you make a purchase. This helps to support the channel at no additional cost to you.
#InternationalRelations #GlobalPolitics #WorldAffairs
