There’s a maxim that says “No two countries that both have a McDonald’s have ever fought a war against each other.” This so-called Golden Arches theory enjoyed a brief moment of prominence in the 1990s, got shaky after 9/11, and has been out-right assaulted by pundits and political theorists in the past ten years. It died it’s final death in October when McDonald’s Azerbaijan took public sides in the fight between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
Here to walk us through the Golden Arches Theory and what the hell was wrong with all of us in the 1990s is Paul Musgrave. Musgrave is an assistant professor of political science at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. His recent article in Foreign Policy about this topic is titled “The Beautiful, Dumb Dream of McDonald’s Peace Theory.”
Angry Planet has a substack! Join the Information War to get weekly insights into our angry planet and hear more conversations about a world in conflict.
https://angryplanet.substack.com/subscribe
You can listen to Angry Planet on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play or follow our RSS directly. Our website is angryplanetpod.com. You can reach us on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/angryplanetpodcast/; and on Twitter: @angryplanetpod.
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
TEASER: The Military Needs Gamers
War, Death, and Financial Collapse in the Middle East
What the Hell Is Going on at Fort Hood?
TEASER: How 3D Printed Guns Will Rewrite Our Laws
Beirut Wants to do More Than Survive
Syria, Russia, and Iran’s Complicated Relationship
Why the U.S. May Come Out on Top Against China
What it’s Like to Spend 30 Years As a Journalist in Turkey
When Mere Anarchy Was Loosed Upon Seattle
Why China and India are Fighting With Clubs
The Entire History of Russia in One Hour
On the Frontlines of the Battle of Portland
Saying Goodbye to Afghanistan
Fake Journalists Are the Latest Disinformation Twist
How Cocaine Fuels America’s Longest War
The Robot Revolution Is Already Here
European Policing From the Carabinieri to the Stasi
The Difference Between Obedience and Deference
Why These Protests Are Different Than 1968
The Rise of The Teenage Terrorist
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free