This is a weekly thread in which we read through books on and related to imperialism and geopolitics. Last week’s thread is here.
Welcome to the sixth week of Michael Hudson’s Super Imperialism: The Origin and Fundamentals of US World Dominance! I’m reading the Third Edition.
We are reading one chapter per week, meaning we will finish in June. Obviously, you are totally free to read faster than this pace and look at my/our commentary once we’ve caught up to you.
Every week, I will write a summary of the chapter(s) read, for those who have already read the book and don’t wish to reread, can’t follow along for various reasons, or for those joining later who want to dive right in to the next book without needing to pick this one up too. I will post all my chapter summaries in this final thread, for access in one convenient location. Please comment or message me directly if you wish to be pinged for this group.
This week, we will be reading Chapter 5: Lend Lease, the British Loan and the Fracturing of the British Empire, 1941-1946, which is approximately 27 pages.
Interesting to read the actual financial mechanisms behind the way the US dethroned the British Empire, though clearly not the whole picture and just one aspect.
I did find it funny to read Hudson essentially stating the common idea that it is fatal to be a US ally, even if it’s dangerous to be a US enemy.
Morgenthau came dangerously close to just being really cool if only he hadn’t laid the foundation for the post-war American imperialist plan.
This chapter makes me want to learn more about the imperial system in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Surprising to learn that the Imperial Preference system only began in 1932. I wonder what was in place exactly before that.
It does appear strange to me that the Britons, after seeing how the US reamed them post WW1, continued to deal with them in good faith.
It does appear strange to me that the Britons, after seeing how the US reamed them post WW1, continued to deal with them in good faith.
Better dead than red
Super Imperialism ping list:
time for the goddamn bri’ish
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To be America’s enemy is dangerous and to be its friend is fatal, I know that’s right.
