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Freakonomics Radio
614. Is the U.S. Sleeping on Threats from Russia and China?
Dec 5, 2024
John J. Sullivan, a former U.S. Deputy Secretary of State and Ambassador to Russia, shares his expertise on U.S.-Russia relations and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. He recounts a crucial meeting between Biden and Putin, predicting how a second Trump term might reshape foreign policy. Sullivan discusses missteps in U.S. diplomatic strategies and the pressing threats posed by Russia and China. He also delves into the complexities of Russian identity and geopolitics, highlighting the need for a solid response to ensure global stability.
51:24
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Quick takeaways
- John Sullivan emphasizes the critical need for coherent U.S. foreign policy leadership to prevent miscalculations in global diplomacy.
- The interplay between American domestic politics and international relations highlights the potential risks of underestimating Putin's ambitions beyond Ukraine.
Deep dives
The Significance of the Biden-Putin Meeting
The meeting between Joe Biden and Vladimir Putin on June 16, 2021, marked a crucial moment in U.S.-Russia relations, particularly amidst rising tensions related to Ukraine. During a one-on meeting, Biden offered assurances to Putin that the U.S. was not seeking regime change in Russia, highlighting a focus on establishing 'guardrails' for the bilateral relationship. However, the crucial absence of discussion regarding Ukraine raised concerns about both leaders’ commitments to the issues at hand. Many analysts retrospectively believe that Putin's relaxed demeanor during the talks indicated his determination to invade Ukraine, which occurred several months later.
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