Ryan and Zach talk about how the realities of expensive industrial warfare are still relevant. The Pentagon's fantasy of precision techno-war doesn't apply to wars with peer countries like Russia or China. Recommended Reading"In a war of attrition, you want an economist as defense minister" - The Bell: https://Mises.org/WES_21_A"The Economics of War" by Murray Rothbard: https://Mises.org/WES_21_B"The Economics of War" by Matthew McCaffrey: https://Mises.org/WES_21_C"Defense, Controls, and Inflation" edited by Aaron Director: https://Mises.org/WES_21_D"Guardians of the Warfare State" by T. Hunt Tooley: https://Mises.org/WES_21_E"Wartime: Understanding and Behaviour in the Second World War" by Paul Fussell: https://Mises.org/WES_21_FBe sure to follow War, Economy, and State at https://Mises.org/WES.

Washington Post conservative George Will trots out every tired slogan and bromide in the book to claim that Putin is Hitler and the Ukraine war is a fight for civilization. Recommended Reading"So, 112 ignoble, infantile Republicans voted to endanger civilization" by George Will: Mises.org/WES_20_A"Piers Morgan vs John Mearsheimer" Mises.org/WES_20_BBe sure to follow War, Economy, and State at Mises.org/WES.

Many signs are now emerging that NATO and the West are slowly withdrawing support from Ukraine in its war with Russia. How much longer can the war continue? Recommended Reading"Intercept of German generals planning Taurus strike on Crimean bridge": Mises.org/WES_19_A"Army aims to double 155mm shell production by October" by Sam Skove Mises.org/WES_19_B"The deception behind America’s support for Ukraine" by Malcom Kyeyune: Mises.org/WES_19_C"Draft-dodging plagues Ukraine as Kyiv faces acute soldier shortage" by Jamie Dettmer: Mises.org/WES_19_DRemarks by Jake Sullivan and Andriy Yermak in Press Conference: Mises.org/WES_19_E"Biden's adviser did not mention regaining territories when talking about conditions for Ukraine's victory": Mises.org/WES_19_FBe sure to follow War, Economy, and State at Mises.org/WES.

Ryan and Zach take a look at how the Pentagon is now lobbying for a "national defense industrial strategy." In a new report, the Pentagon calls for more central planning and socialism in the name of national defense. Recommended ReadingThe National Defense Industrial Strategy (PDF): Mises.org/WES_18_ABe sure to follow War, Economy, and State at Mises.org/WES.

Ryan and Zach review a new book on the basics of the "classical liberal" theory of international relations. Drawing on the work of Mises and Hayek, Edwin van de Haar's new IR book provides a useful and insightful summary of how a pro-freedom foreign policy differs from the usual foreign policy in Washington.  Additional Resources "Human Nature and World Affairs: An Introduction to Classical Liberalism and International Relations Theory" by Edwin van de Haar: Mises.org/WES_17_A "Mises on Nationalism, the Right of Self-Determination, and the Problem of Immigration" by Joseph Salerno: Mises.org/WES_17_B EdwinvandeHaar.com Be sure to follow War, Economy, and State at Mises.org/WES.

Ryan and Zachary make some guesses about where things are headed in 2024 for both Ukraine and the Israel-Hamas war. How long will the US try to keep the Ukraine war going, and what is Israel's plan for Gaza?  Be sure to follow War, Economy, and State at Mises.org/WES.

Ryan and Zachary discuss the basics of Just War Theory and whether a "moral war" is possible.  They also discuss the theory's origins in natural law, and how the theory relates to pacifism, wealth, and war crimes.  Be sure to follow War, Economy, and State at Mises.org/WES. Additional Resources "Get the US Out of the Middle East" by Ryan McMaken: Mises.org/WES_15_A "American History Is a Preview of the Israel-Palestine End Game" by Ryan McMaken: Mises.org/WES_15_B "Ethnic Interest Groups Fuel the American Warfare State" (War, Economy, and State): Mises.org/WES_15_C Douglas Murray on having a "proportionate response” in a conflict: Mises.org/WES_15_D

Ryan and Zachary look at how interest groups representing Ukrainians, Iraqis, Israelis, and others have often lobbied for US intervention in foreign wars that in no way benefit the American population overall. Be sure to follow War, Economy, and State at Mises.org/WES. Additional Resources "Get the US Out of the Middle East" by Ryan McMaken: Mises.org/WES_14_A "The Liberty Movement’s Pro-War Fifth Column" by Ted Galen Carpenter: Mises.org/WES_14_B George Washington's Farewell Address: Mises.org/WES_14_C "America Has No Duty to Rule the World" by Daniel Bessner: Mises.org/WES_14_D Tomorrow, the World: The Birth of U.S. Global Supremacy by Stephen Wertheim: Mises.org/WES_14_E "The Left Is Now Telling Us (Ukrainian) Nazis Aren't So Bad After All" by Ryan McMaken: Mises.org/WES_14_F "Armed Neutrality Is the Only Moral Foreign Policy" by Ryan McMaken: Mises.org/WES_14_G

Ryan and Zachary rank the GOP candidates at the debate. They range from "least terrible" (Ramaswamy) to "utterly awful" (Haley and Pence).  Be sure to follow War, Economy, and State at Mises.org/WES.

Ryan McMaken and Zachary Yost look at the many factors behind Ukraine's failure to defeat Russia or move closer to NATO membership. Ukraine is sadly caught between a cynical NATO and a Russia that is in it for the long haul.  Be sure to follow War, Economy, and State at Mises.org/WES.