0:00 Why John thinks Russia’s invasion of Ukraine was rational
6:55 How small states deal with world powers
10:13 If Russia’s action were rational, were the US’s?
16:40 John: The Ukraine invasion violates international law, but Russia has reason to see it as just
21:58 The risk of escalation
29:26 Zelensky’s expert manipulation of the West
33:51 Is it a coincidence that so many recent presidential scandals involve Ukraine?
39:57 Can tolerant liberals tolerate illiberal societies?
45:45 American Russophobia didn’t cause the war, but it’s not helping
49:19 John: If Putin is overthrown, his replacement will probably be even more brutal
53:35 The foreign policy establishment’s grip on both Democrats and Republicans
Links and Readings
John’s Substack
John’s book, with Sebastian Rosato, How States Think: The Rationality of Foreign Policy
John’s essay, “Bound to Lose”
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