John Vintar: The Fragility of Peace

Summary
In this episode, Christian sits down with John Vintar, an author and Army officer who has served in the Canadian Armed Forces for over 30 years. The conversation revolves around Vintar's book, 'A Swamp the Size of Belgium,' which details his experiences in South Sudan. They discuss the history of Sudan and South Sudan, the challenges of peacekeeping missions, the impact on returning soldiers, and the perception of peacekeeping in Canada. Vintar shares his most fearful moment in South Sudan and the importance of history for military leaders. The episode concludes with book recommendations and contact information for Vintar.

Takeaways

• The book 'A Swamp the Size of Belgium' provides a unique perspective on the experiences of a peacekeeper in South Sudan.
• Peacekeeping missions are often invisible to the majority of Canadians, leading to a lack of understanding and appreciation for the work of peacekeepers.
• Returning from a peacekeeping mission can be challenging, and veterans may struggle to convey the full extent of their experiences.
• History plays a crucial role in shaping military leaders and providing valuable lessons for the present and future.

Chapters
00:00
Introduction and Background

01:29
The Book: A Swamp the Size of Belgium

04:52
The History of Sudan and South Sudan

08:27
The Invisibility of Peacekeeping Missions

10:00
The Challenges of Returning Home

11:27
The Most Fearful Moment in South Sudan

14:48
Establishing Safety and Gaining Trust

15:49
The Genesis and Objective of the UN Peacekeeping Mission

18:18
Tribal Cleansing and Violence in South Sudan

20:17
Lessons Learned from Peacekeeping Missions

24:13
Public Perception of Peacekeeping

29:36
Canada's Number One Threat

31:13
The Fragility of the World Order

37:20
The Importance of History for Military Leaders

39:54
The Role of Research in Mission Success

42:27
Top Three Must-Read Book Recommendations

45:53
Book Promotion and Contact Information

46:31
Closing Remarks and Thank You

Shawn Pinto - Mortgage Broker
Mortgage consulting services for those who serve.

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