Judging Freedom
[NEW GUEST] - Ian Proud - Former British Diplomat to Russia: Stealing From Russia to Fund Ukraine.
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.
24:11
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Quick takeaways
- The historical animosity between Russia and the UK, rooted in 18th-century conflicts, continues to influence contemporary geopolitical tensions.
- A persistent neoconservative mindset in the UK and US, driven by entrenched state institutions, constrains political leaders' foreign policy independence.
Deep dives
Historical Tensions Between Russia and the West
The enduring enmity between Russia and Western nations, particularly the UK, is deeply rooted in historical conflicts dating back to the 18th century. This rivalry has been influenced by a series of geopolitical struggles, including the Great Game and the two World Wars, which fostered a mindset of distrust and opposition among British elites. Even after the Soviet Union's collapse, this historic animosity lingered, as the UK viewed Russia not as a peer but as a diminished power that still held significant military capabilities, particularly nuclear arms. This perception has contributed to Western policies aiming to integrate former Soviet states into Western alliances, which heightens tensions with Moscow today.
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