Part 8/10:
Mearsheimer further elaborated on the influence of the Israel Lobby in US politics, describing it as an extraordinarily powerful force that often dictates American policy in the Middle East. Such interests are influential enough to ensure that any president diverging from Israeli preferences would face substantial political blowback.
The Complexity of Engagement with China and Russia
Turning the discussion toward China and Russia, Mearsheimer acknowledged the centrality of China in Trump’s strategic outlook. He noted that confrontations with China require a focused containment strategy; however, increased entanglements in Gaza, Ukraine, or other regions inhibit America’s ability to concentrate its energies on this pivotal challenge.