Judging Freedom [NEW GUEST] - Ian Proud - Former British Diplomat to Russia: Stealing From Russia to Fund Ukraine.
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Dec 12, 2024 Ian Proud, a former British diplomat with deep insights into UK-Russia relations, shares his expertise on geopolitical dynamics. He discusses the historical tensions between Western powers and Russia, particularly during Boris Johnson's leadership amid the Ukraine crisis. Proud examines the influence of the 'deep state' on political decisions, and dives into how intelligence agencies have impacted governance in Ukraine. He also highlights the controversy surrounding the appropriation of frozen Russian funds and its implications for war financing, revealing concerns over transparency and governance.
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Historical British-Russian Animosity
- The British animosity towards Russia dates back to 18th-century imperial rivalries in Central Asia and the Crimean War.
- This historical tension continues to influence the British political elite's perception of Russia.
American Perception of Post-Soviet Russia
- American resentment towards Russia stems from the post-Soviet era perception of Russia as weakened.
- This perception, coupled with Russia's nuclear capabilities, fueled attempts to influence former Soviet states.
British Public Opinion on Boris Johnson
- The British public views Boris Johnson as a contradictory figure, acknowledging his failures while forgiving his war record.
- This forgiveness is attributed to pro-war media narratives that overshadow his other shortcomings.