The Rest Is Politics 3. Zelenskyy's humanity, Lebvedev's parties, and Eton
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Mar 16, 2022 The podcast dives into the power dynamics of soft power in Ukraine amid geopolitical tensions. It contrasts leadership styles between Zelenskyy and Johnson, highlighting authenticity during crises. The hosts debate the societal impact of elite institutions like Eton, questioning their role in meritocracy. Insights on prison reform reveal stark contrasts in rehabilitation approaches between the UK and Norway. The conversation also reflects on the importance of empathy in politics and the implications of historical narratives on contemporary accountability.
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Putin’s Miscalculation
- Putin miscalculated Western resolve in Ukraine.
- He overestimated his intelligence and underestimated soft power.
Intelligence failures
- Lavrov assured the UK Foreign Secretary there would be no invasion of Crimea, just days before it happened.
- This highlights the difficulty in obtaining reliable intelligence.
Effective Sanctions
- Recent sanctions are more effective than those imposed after Crimea.
- Targeting SWIFT mechanisms and Silicon Valley technologies cripples the Russian economy.
