The 2020 Holberg Debate with John Bolton & Yanis Varoufakis: “Is Global Stability A Pipe Dream?” 

Don't miss the 2023 Holberg Debate on December 2. Anil Seth, Tanya Luhrmann and Rupert Sheldrake will debate the question: "Does Consciousness Extend Beyod Brains?" ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-ofSUaZOW9h8.html Feel free to follow the event page on Facebook: facebook.com/events/315569814476878 More information on the Holberg Prize webpage: holbergprize.org/en/2023-holberg-debate-does-consciousness-extend-beyond-brains

Yanis showing us again why he’s one of the brightest and lucid minds of the 21st century

Bolton: How can we win the game for the U.S. elite. Varoufakis: How can we get to a more harmonious world.

It's shocking how lawyers turn politicians like Mr. Bolton knows so little about world affairs, yet attaining high offices in US. Just left me speechless.

I didn't think I could hate Bolton anymore than I already did. Then I listened to this whole debate.

Bolton is a clown and not sure why Varoufakis would even bother with him.

When Bolton said "Americans enjoy economic security" my drink shot through my nose 😐

This was like pitting a sea cucumber against the oracle.

Yanis Varoufakis is a very brilliant man, clear thoughts, inspiring.

Bolton really comes across as a raving, war-mongering lunatic.

When Bolton starts off describing China at the start, I thought he was describing the US.

Yanis' view on the global instability is immensely insightful and convincing. It is such a privilege to be able to gain such great knowledge free on the internet for free.

Essentially, Varoufakis sounds like a proper scholar possessed of a wonderful understanding of post-19th-century history, whereas Bolton sounds like a crank hellbent on war.

Bolton was hilariously out of his depth here. Embarrassing. Yanis crushed it, as usual.

The fact that professor Varoufakis has become as notable as he has is proof that capitalism as we know it is in its death throws. People are actively seeking alternative which scares the hell out of the corporate elites.

John Bolton talks about various threats to US security, but he completely missed the greatest threat, namely, John Bolton himself.

Does Bolton realise he's not talking to a committee of the U.S.congress? His myopia is blatant.

Yanis has poetry in his soul, Bolton has neither poetry nor soul.

When the gentleman spoke of surveillance state and largest incarcerated population, I genuinely thought he was speaking of the United States, Orwell would be embarrassed that even he could not dream up such conditions as the US government has been able to impose.

I couldn’t stop laughing hearing John Bolten. When he said Putin is playing a weak hand, I spilt my coffee laughing. Paid experts are paid to give expertise to everything the money wants. That’s called corruption and it’s common in so called science for centuries.

Having watched the whole thing, I can only conclude that Bolton is shockingly dumb, or he is genuinely taking the piss. Top marks for Varoufakis for not sighing at him, even once. He was magnanimity personified.

Yanis wiped the floor with Bolton, just different leagues in terms of intellectual acumen.

The intellectual gulf between the Professor and the former Ambassador in the opening shots is immense. Vivem that this American technocrat has been influential in world affairs is scary in he least. He is blissfully dismissive of America's crimes of tormenting instability around the world.

Yanis SO nailed the issue. His understanding of economics, world order, politics, etc is amazing. We want world leaders like him. Dollar is form of colonisation, assuming inadvertently, and this has to be changed. Bolton is so painful to listen to- he is so light on specifics - and attitude wise belongs to dark ages. Amazed he led US on some fronts. The moderator is so skewed towards Bolton- thanks to Yanis for making this video watchable.

Whatever Bolton says I take the opposite view.

Bolton war war war. Yanis intelligence, strategy, economy. Bolton war war war. Makes me sad.

Bolton should be allowed to give his response to Varoufakis's strategy of a new Bretton Woods!! He shouldn't be shielded from having to reveal his total lack of new ideas and perspective.

‘ the worst way of being poor is poverty surrounded by wealth ‘ Yanis

Mr Varoufakis is a beautiful human being....we need more real men like him running this world. Brave brilliant man, thank you.

Bolton appeared as a classic American hawk from past cold war times. Yanis is a global hope for the future. It is an easy choice.

Prof Varoufakis identified problems, offered analysis and provided solutions. Bolton babbled.

Varoufakis is extremely knowledgeable and gets his point across very effectively.

As Mr Bolton went through the list of threats I thought he was talking about America. My mistake.

Yanis Varoufakis is a real breath of fresh air on the political scene

John Bolton has a hammer, and he's not going to let anyone convince him the world isn't made of nails.

Yanis wins this one. Thank you Yanis.

A word to Prof. Varoufakis: I am from Hong Kong. I have travelled to China repeatedly since I left Hong Kong in 1990. I worked as a Journalist when I was in Hong Kong. I saw with my own eyes that there is MORE freedom in Hong Kong NOW than we had prior to 1997. I've lived in both worlds and swear that there is no unnecessary abuse of human rights in Hong Kong. Hong Kong almost fell from a rule based society to a chaotic inhuman state after the people was befuddled into believing that a simple law amendment would mean the end of the world. I believe that the US was the instigator of the two failed colour revolutions.

Why can't we call a warcriminal warcriminal? Which rule is that?

A student from the university wrote an article that he didnt want Bolton to be given a platform (As expected). I'm glad he was given a chance to show how stupid and/or/ evil he is.

It was quite surprising to read the comments, after watching this “debate”, in which i wasn’t expecting such a unanimous recognition that Varufakis swept the floor with an ivy league grad. BTW if The Holberg Prize really wants to organize such events in the future then it should reexamine the format it implemented for this “debate”. If it is called a debate then allow the debaters to “go at each other”. Perhaps the current format was a way to draw attention away from the fact that they invited one “debater” who is from the heavyweight category while the other is in the flyweight.

Thank you Mr Varoufakis. This is how I see it. As for Mr Bolton...don't get me started....either totally ignorant or evil, or both, one lie after another.

Shocking how Bolton knows so little about economics and yet wielded so much global power.

I gotta give to Bolton here, evading topics, calling names, attacking people, changing topics, and still have the decency to defend his "ideals" like he is actually convincing someone of something. He ain't talking to rhe intellectual part of the human, he's talking to attitudes or emotions of people. He thinks he is in FOX news or CNN, which is very understandable. Wow...all i gotta say.

The crushing ratio of these comments is gratifying after all the years of listening to both debaters. I'm glad so many recognize such an intellectual mismatch.

For 4 decades China has risen peacefully without firing a single shot so what are you claiming?

2:04:50 "I regret to this day that we weren't able to overthrow the Maduro government." Straight up arrogance of a war monger.

43:19 "Varou-fu-nakis" The patience from Varoufakis for this blowhard who didn't even take the time to learn his name is enviable. Bravo, Yanis. Much love and solidarity from the American Midwest.

I think Prof Varouvakis is brilliant in his analysis and recommendation.

It’s unfortunate that the ambassador was unable to provide suggestions on how to Deal with China in the future. The professor gave concrete suggestions on how to deal with China in the future. Bolton was on the attack mode Varoufakis was on a diplomatic mode. Throughout the debate on a few occasions the professor had to educate the ambassador on history. Yanis Varoufakis ad a better understanding of global issues and solutions. The US could regain its global positive influence by readopting the Breton woods program that it managed so well after the war. Everyone would win.

Varoufakis wiped the floor with Bolton, I wasn’t surprised.

Lol, John Bolton was completely outmatched by Yanis and reduced to just to smear him as a "Marxist" as if that's an insult.

14:40 "The rogue states of the world... The troublemakers" I wonder if the US would fall into this category? Was the invasion of Iraq under false pretenses conducive towards global stability? The biggest elephant in the room of this entire 2.5hr discussion: Does the US predeliction for military intervention present a threat to global security? Of course, this question is not suitable for polite society.

Good to see Varoufakis so well demolish Boltons arguments.

"Socialism for the few, austerity for the many." My hope "is that we do not make a desert and call it stability." Yanis is so excellent. Bolton has no shame or honor.

I have learned so much from Mr. Varoufakis. Mr. Bolton, not so much. Bolton doesn't even know that he doesn't even know.

You would think the moderator would have practiced saying Varoufakis a few times before the debate instead of messing it up every time

Ambassador Bolton didn’t even have the courtesy to learn his opponent’s name correctly (“Varoufanakis”). Not that it helped Bolton to act nonchalant. Instead he was taught a few lessons by YanisVaroufakis.

"A War Criminal debates a University Professor..."

There is almost no comparison between the high levels of articulation and knowledge from Varoufakis, and the measly finger-pointing by Bolton.

It's surprising and perplexing that top American diplomats and politicians have such superficial and at the same time ideological arguments and positions.

wow. Bolton does not disappoint as the limping pedestrian he is.

this bolton is more dangerous than trump, and almost nothing in his talk with intelligence but only blame while the professor is on a much higher level of discussion with concrete contents and facts.

There is nothing honorable or distinguished about Bolton.

I'm guessing Bolton never dared enter a debate with Yanis Varoufakis ever again after this. Completely humiliated by an intellect far - FAR - superior to his own.

12:20 Do you know what happened to Russia in the 90s, Bolton? Putin calling the USSR collapse a catastrophe is an understatement. And anyone familiar with the times would agree.

Stay healthy, Yanis.

I find John Bolton's world view terrifying. Structures for threat mitigation (until the threats disappear in and of themselves) - sounds like endless war. Certainly has worked very well since the 70's, the threats have just disappeared, haven't they? I'm glad we have people like Yanis trying to think strategically, even if for now he's a voice in the wilderness.

Thanks to prof. Yanis' highly respectful intellectual insights on economics for earth with substance meaningful historical perspective proposal to how we may build a better shared future together with a systematic stability by design

No one should ever take John Bolton seriously....

bolton sounds like he is describing the us when he is talking about china

Bolton is sickening me, not for his reckless, but his attitude towards other countries, and the lives in other countries!

I'm wondering if anyone can explain how lack of democracy in China and Latin America is a great concern but in countries like Poland and Hungary it's more a problem for Europeans of keeping the EU intact? Are the problems not comparable?

I dont know if I would necessarily agree with Yanis' economic policies and idea(at least not all) but its rather clear he has the more lucid, and educated mind that is less encumbered by bias and the promotion of a particular agenda. Its also abundantly clear that Yanis truly understands world history and what has precipitated over the last 20-30 years specifically, hes been quite the keen observer. What Yanis is arguing for, is the stability of the entire world. What Bolton is arguing for, only has the best interests of a select few in mind. He(Bolton) is arguing for what will lead to the greatest amount of stability, power, and wealth for specifically the people in power in Washington DC, and other ultra wealthy/corporations. His entire attitude towards foreign policy sounds like someone advocating for endless war(and thats probably because that is EXACTLY what he is interested in, the Military Industrial Complex needs conflict to flourish...and at least half of Congress has stakes or interests in that sector) and not only is not good for the actual people of America, its outright dangerous. And there is ample evidence that proves what Bolton is arguing for, IS dangerous, the last 20 years of US foreign policy is a shining example of that...and this is coming from someone who was born and raised in the US. If you require further proof, there is no better proof than the current state of geopolitics in November 2022. The entire Ukraine conflict is something that has been pushed and essentially manufactured by the US meddling in Ukraine(both in terms of US politicians seeking profits there, and in the coup the US helped formulate in 2014 that then led to the insertion of the Pro US government that exists today), and its incessant need to pursue its imperialistic desires. Russia gave the US/NATO ample warning for years that attempting to expand its influence and military power right onto the doorstep of Russia would result in Russia feeling the need to push back for the sake of its national security, which makes complete sense regardless of what my own, or anyone else's opinion of Russia is. It would be absolutely no different than if(hypothetically) Russia were to do the same in Mexico, the US would VERY much be against Russia gaining influence in Mexico and expanding its reach right on the American border, and it would take the appropriate actions to maintain its necessary national security. Yet Bolton acts like there is absolutely nothing wrong with the US doing that exact thing, in fact he argues that it is noble and that it is an attempt to INCREASE stability in the world when it clearly isnt. As of right now, we are on the precipice of WW3 due to that thinking. And what the US is doing in Taiwan, isnt much different than what its done in Ukraine...were meddling in Taiwain despite having no dog in that fight, and despite China warning numerous times against the US attempting to influence Taiwan or arm/fund them, or setup military installations there due to the close proximity to China. And of course, the US has ignored all of that and continues to do what it wants, as if it runs the world and EVERYTHING and everyone must act in the manner they see fit. So not only is the US getting closer to a World War in Ukraine, its also getting closer to one in Taiwan with China. I dont think a two front World War is "good" for stability Mr. Bolton, nor do I think it would be good for the American people either. But this is the exact result coming to fruition of Bolton's attitude on foreign policy and how he views the world. Dangerous is a massive understatement, the man has no business being anywhere remotely near a high office in the US, and especially not near one that has to do with foreign policy.

Bolton is clearly over his head here. Varoufakis is brilliant!

The war criminal John Bolton is talking about human rights. Laughable character.,

What's up with the moderator can even pronounce Yanis last name and helping out Bolton are 2 vs 1 or what, Yanis handle them Flawlessly

my summary: John Bolton is a war-monger, Yanis Varoufakis is insightful about the US capitalism

Mr Bolton is a living '70s time capsule.

It has been 3 minutes since Bolton starting speaking and he is already talking nonsense. The question was "simple" as he calls it but then proceeds to answer the wrong question.

Nice work Yanis!

I'm just amazed bolton can talk for over 20 mins without interuption but still say absolutely nothing

I’m only 45 minutes in... but this is ridiculous. I am a conservative economist, and found Varoufakis’ summary of the economic history of the last 100 years to be fascinating: factual, illuminating, precise and perfect. I have never heard or read such an excellent, succinct account, anywhere. In just 10 minutes, he demonstrated his depth of understanding and complete mastery of what he discussed. For Bolton to immediately dismiss it as a “Marxist” interpretation is idiotic. Varoufakis might well be a Marxist, and I would love to spend an evening drinking with him arguing about incentives, property rights and a dozen other things about which I am sure we would disagree; but there is no way that his opening statement was Marxist. It was sheer brilliance.

This debate was in 2020. It is now 2022. The world is about to realize the catastrophic ideas being discussed here.

Ambassador Bolton brings back to me a very well cherished and popular Mexican actor nick-named Cantinflas. That actor had the amazing ability to talk, non stop, about something that was never clear, the same way many politicians speak to the masses. Nobody can really understand what they are saying, although they impress everybody by the way they master the language using terms that are not familiar to most. On the other hand we have Professor Varoufakis who is not only able to pinpoint reasons for what is happening, but to put a spin of how the empires work. Ambassador Bolton will always talk about the menace of the Russians and the Chinese and he is right. Besides, that's their only argument. For the first time since WW2 the American hegemony has been challenged by a different system, which today is able to respond military to the bulling of "the powerful" and at the same time becoming an unstoppable force. The options are there, as Varoufakis mentioned : these three superpowers come together or we all suffer the consequences. Greetings from Toronto.

Ask Bolton about Assange? He's talking about China's Hong kong whistle blower. Love to hear his arguement

Incredible professor Varoufakis... the mass media should amplify this kind of message.

when John Bolton introduce his case against china, you just have to replace it with USA and the description fits perfectly. Fun.

It's almost offensive that Yanis has to spend time debating Old Walrus face, but I do see the value of having it and make it available on YT in the hopes that younger people see it and we don't end up with more John Bolton's. Thank you Yanis!

It was like watching a debate between good and evil. Thank you Yanis.

What a bizarre thing for Bolton to say. He doesn’t recognise a Marxist analysis? It was an economic analysis.

"Capitalism is about freedom" If only

Boltens complaints about china's military expansion is a bit rich coming from the largest, and most global military in the world

Omg! Varoufakis is 10 levels over Bolton! Conversations like this give me hope more and more people will turn left!

A very interesting watch for a Saturday night during lock-down. We need to think like Varoufakis for a brighter future.

At the end of the day Bolton was "only with us virtually". Indeed. Great epitaph put it on his tombstone.

Moderator is seemingly feeling uncomfortable what Prof. Yanis said. You did well Prof. There's deep anti-China atmosphere in the debate. It's not a debate.

Even Kim Jong Un called John Bolton an "Insane warmonger" and "Defective Human", that tells alot that even a brutal Dictator had enough of people like Bolton.

When you have people like John here walking around free, you should know your system is corrupt

Watch all the Holberg Debates here: holbergprize.org/en/en/holberg-prize/holberg-debate

This was a wonderful opportunity to see 2 sides of the equation n a respectful thoughtful and intelligent way and in a neutral arena. Merciiiii!