Judge Napolitano - Prof. John Mearsheimer : Are Russia and China a Threat to the US?

May 1, 2025.

John J. Mearsheimer is an American political scientist and professor at the University of Chicago, best known for his work in international relations and for co-founding the theory of offensive realism. Mearsheimer argues that in an anarchic international system with no central authority, great powers are compelled to maximize their power to ensure survival—often leading to inevitable conflict.

Key Ideas & Arguments

Offensive Realism:
In a world without global government, states cannot trust one another. Therefore, major powers will seek dominance as the safest path to security—even at the expense of others.

Realism over Idealism:
Mearsheimer warns that pursuing foreign policy based on moral ambitions—rather than hard strategic interests—often leads to unintended and disastrous consequences.

Professor Mearsheimer continues to be a leading voice in global affairs. He frequently appears on platforms like Judge Napolitano’s “Judging Freedom,” where he delivers sharp critiques of U.S. foreign policy and warns against escalating great-power confrontations, particularly with Russia and China.

Judge Napolitano - Judging Freedom

Subscribe ⤵️

https://www.youtube.com/@judgingfreedom