The Intelligence from The Economist On the brinkmanship: a special episode on Ukraine and Russia
Feb 18, 2022
Ludwig Siegel, the European business editor of The Economist, dives deep into Russia's quest for digital independence. He discusses the country’s innovative 'tech stack', from chips to apps, as a means of self-isolation amidst heightened tensions. Siegel highlights the economic fallout of the conflict and the resilience of Ukraine, sharing poignant insights from a Ukrainian woman caught in the chaos. The conversation unpacks the implications of these developments on global geopolitics and technology.
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Putin's Initiative
- Vladimir Putin initiated the Ukraine crisis by choosing the troop buildup.
- Current tensions and blame-shifting should not obscure this fact.
Escalating Tensions
- Recent shelling in Eastern Ukraine is more serious than usual.
- Russia's escalating rhetoric, including false genocide claims, suggests a pretext for intervention.
Putin's Gains and Losses
- Putin has gained diplomatic centrality, affirmed his statesmanship at home, and distracted from economic issues.
- However, he has also incurred substantial costs.