What Really Matters with Walter Russell Mead Drug Wars, Sanctions, Nuclear Power, and Japan
20 snips
Oct 24, 2025 This week, the hosts dive into the complexities of U.S. military actions against Venezuelan drug traffickers. They dissect the implications of new sanctions on Russia and ponder their effectiveness. China's ambitious nuclear power expansion is explored, highlighting its quest for energy independence. Japan's newly appointed prime minister, with a unique flair for heavy metal, is examined in the context of national security and economic challenges. The discussion wraps up with travel tips featuring a unique archaeological site in India.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Unclear Goals In Venezuela Operations
- Walter questions the strategic clarity of expanding strikes near Venezuela and asks what a successful outcome would look like.
- He warns intimidation can produce limited cooperation but wonders how far such pressure can go.
Sanctions Alone Won't Force Putin
- Walter calls new sanctions partially symbolic and unlikely to change Putin's calculus by themselves.
- He argues stronger moves should push Europeans to assume greater responsibility for Ukraine's defense.
Indian Reaction To Oil Pricing Tactics
- Walter recounts conversations in India where people said the U.S. engineered discounted Russian oil sales via its policies.
- He reports Indian reactions ranged from mockery to resentment when the U.S. later punished those purchases.