In this episode of The Brink, we’re joined by David Patrikarakos, foreign correspondent and author of War in 140 Characters, for a gripping conversation on the end of the Pax Americana, the future of Ukraine, and the rise of a new global order.

David explains why he argues that Putin’s invasion is not just about territory, but about rewriting the rules of the world order. From the fall of Bretton Woods to the decline of NATO, he lays out how the West’s complacency and moral fatigue have opened the door to a new era shaped by autocrats, propaganda, and drones.

We also discuss Trump’s shifting stance on Ukraine, his strange admiration for Putin, and how America’s right is fracturing between pro-Israel conservatives and a new populist movement flirting with antisemitism and authoritarianism. David warns that the internet has unleashed a “death of truth,” where social media rewards lies, conspiracy, and outrage over reality.

This is one of the most far-reaching episodes we’ve done. A discussion about war, technology, propaganda, and the collapse of old certainties as the world enters a dangerous new phase.

Watch the full uncut episode here: https://thebrinkpodcast.substack.com/podcast

Chapters

0:00 Introduction

03:52 David's Personal Connection to Ukraine

05:37 Trump's Negotiation Tactics and Putin's War Aims

10:33 The Role of NATO and the UK in the Conflict

13:03 The Threat of Russia and the Need for Rearmament

21:32 The Diffusion of Power and the Impact of Technology

26:19 The Future of Ukraine and the Role of Europe

34:11 Trump's Relationship with Putin and the Impact on US Politics

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War in 140 Characters

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