Summary

Trump’s nomination of Pete Hegseth, a Fox News presenter with minimal managerial experience, as defense secretary has stunned the Pentagon.

Hegseth has been a vocal critic of the military, calling for a purge of generals and questioning the appointment of Gen. Charles Brown as chair of the joint chiefs of staff.

Hegseth’s nomination is seen as a boost for the far right in Israel, as he has shown support for territorial expansion and suggested the construction of a new temple on the Temple Mount.

  • @[email protected]
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    1610 days ago

    Yeah, I’m trying to think of a recent (<100y) example that didn’t result in a junta or other coups, and I’m drawing a blank.

    • @PugJesus
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      710 days ago

      Gorbachev purging the Soviet military.

      • @[email protected]
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        410 days ago

        I don’t think that’s really a coup — if anything it’s the same as what Trump wants to do, but unlike Mr. Pizza Hut he isn’t on the right side of history.

        • @PugJesus
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          310 days ago

          I interpreted you as saying that you couldn’t think of a mass purge that didn’t result in a junta or other coups.

          • @[email protected]
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            310 days ago

            I was thinking (and presumably xmunk too) of scenarios where the military overthrows the government.

            There are lots of examples of purges not resulting in coups, including the most famous purger of recent times, Stalin.

            • @PugJesus
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              310 days ago

              I was thinking (and presumably xmunk too) of scenarios where the military overthrows the government.

              Ah

        • @[email protected]
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          210 days ago

          Collapsing the USSR and causing horrible living conditions throughout the area for the better part of two decades was the right side of history?

          • @[email protected]
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            19 days ago

            Right, I forgot he singlehandedly destroyed the USSR, which was a glorious utopia until his leadership and would totally still be around today otherwise. Thanks for the correction.