https://tankie.tube/videos/watch/3cc6878b-c05b-4fad-b3de-584d8094a8b2 In this episode of UNAPOLOGETIC, we speak to writer, historian, and lifelong anti-imperialist Tariq Ali about the state of the US empire in an increasingly unstable world. From Trump’s erratic posture on Iran to the long arc of American imperial power, Ali places today’s crises in a deep historical context—stretching from Iran in 1953 to Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, and Gaza. The conversation examines how US power has adapted rather than declined, how Trump differs from previous presidents in style rather than substance, and why imperial violence is now increasingly exposed rather than hidden. We explore the limits of American dominance, the rise of China as an economic counterweight, and whether the global balance of power is truly shifting. Ali also reflects on Gaza, Western complicity, Arab state paralysis, and what he describes as a process of recolonisation in the Middle East—alongside the dangers and possibilities that lie ahead.Support stories that matter. Join this channel to get access to perks: Chapters: 00:00 Intro highlights 01:24 Introducing Tariq Ali 02:20 Becoming a socialist 05:36 Imperialism’s long shadow 07:31 Iran 1953 coup 11:11 After Cold War 13:28 Using 9/11 17:54 Empire adapts 19:26 Trump’s honesty 22:50 Gaza genocide 26:28 Is empire weakening 28:27 China’s rise 30:17 World market shifts 34:41 US China divide 37:35 Arab paralysis 40:41 Iran and Israel 45:32 Breaking Iran 49:46 Regime fragility 56:21 Recolonisation today https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCR0fZh5SBxxMNYdg0VzRFkg/join Catch previous episodes of MEE LIVE, our biweekly news programme exploring the stories shaping our world through breaking coverage, expert analysis, and hard-hitting interviews. Originally airing Tuesdays & Thursdays at 12pm ET | 5pm BST Got a story tip or question? Reach us at MEELive@middleeasteye.org Subscribe to our channel: http://ow.ly/AVlW30n1OWH Subscribe to MEE Telegram channel to stay up to date: https://t.me/MiddleEastEye_TG Middle East Eye Website: https://middleeasteye.net Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@middleeasteye Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/MiddleEastEye Like us on Facebook: https://facebook.com/MiddleEastEye Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/MiddleEastEye Thu, 16 Apr 2026 08:02:51 GMT https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html PeerTube - https://tankie.tube https://tankie.tube/lazy-static/avatars/3ba3ff73-a8b6-49c9-add8-9653ef090c7f.webp https://tankie.tube/videos/watch/3cc6878b-c05b-4fad-b3de-584d8094a8b2 All rights reserved, unless otherwise specified in the terms specified at https://tankie.tube/about and potential licenses granted by each content's rightholder.