S8 Ep858: Gaius and Germanicus debate in their favorite wine bar by the Thames, in Londinium, Spring 92 AD. Drawing a parallel to the Battle of Alesia in 52 BC, the hosts explore the ethics of modern siege warfare. In ancient Gaul, Julius Caesar and Vercingetorix a

Gaius and Germanicus debate in their favorite wine bar by the Thames, in Londinium, Spring 92 AD. Drawing a parallel to the Battle of Alesia in 52 BC, the hosts explore the ethics of modern siege warfare. In ancient Gaul, Julius Caesar and Vercingetorix allowed non-combatant townspeople to starve to death in the "in-between land" to maintain their strategic positions. Germanicus argues that the current U.S. blockade of Iran functions as a modern-day Alesia, where the "townspeople" are the populations of Europe and Asia now suffering from disrupted energy and fertilizer resources. While Caesar's war was an existential struggle to break Gallic culture, the modern conflict is characterized as a "performative war" driven by vanity rather than a clear strategic plan. The U.S. is accused of abdicating its sacred vows of altruism, delivering "body blows" to world populations to achieve base political goals. This strategy is seen as a terrible gambit that destroys America's global authority and reputation. Consequently, the hosts note that China is gaining credibility and confidence, positioning itself as an equal or even superior power while the American "emperor"—described as exhausted and lacking a plan—increasingly takes the role of a supplicant to Beijing. (2/3)1600 ANTONY SENDS FOR CICERO