Ep 9. Bush & Clinton: Squandered Peace-New World Order

Oliver Stone's Untold History Of The United States season 1 episode 9 titled "Bush & Clinton: Squandered Peace-New World Order" presents an extensive history of the United States during the presidencies of George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton. The episode examines the global events that occurred during their tenures, including the end of the Cold War, the Gulf War, the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the Balkans War, and the rise of China, among others.

The episode starts with an analysis of the Gulf War, which was sparked by Iraq's invasion of Kuwait in 1990. Stone examines the motivations behind the US intervention, including oil, imperialism, and the desire to establish a unipolar world order. He analyzes the effects of the war on the region, including the death of thousands of civilians, the displacement of millions, and the rise of radicalism in the Middle East.

The episode then focuses on the collapse of the Soviet Union, which was a major global event that reshaped the world order. Stone details the complex nature of the Soviet Union's disintegration, which involved political, economic, and social factors. He also examines the role of the US in the Soviet collapse, including its support for Boris Yeltsin's government and its promotion of shock therapy economic policies that led to widespread poverty and inequality.

The episode also explores the Balkans War, which was a major conflict that occurred in the early 1990s in the former Yugoslavia. Stone analyzes the factors that led to the war, including nationalism, ethnic tensions, and the dissolution of the Soviet Union. He also examines the role of the US in the conflict, including its support for NATO intervention and its promotion of a New World Order that sought to establish US hegemony over Europe.

Finally, the episode presents an analysis of the Clinton presidency, which was marked by economic growth, social progress, and controversial foreign policies. Stone examines the Clinton administration's role in the expansion of NATO, the Serbia bombing, the Rwandan genocide, the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), the deregulation of the financial sector, and the sharp increase in income inequality.

Overall, the episode presents a critical analysis of the Bush and Clinton presidencies, highlighting the role of the US in global events and the consequences of its foreign policies. It challenges conventional narratives and offers fresh perspectives on the complex history of the late 20th century.