Intelligence Squared Has America Abandoned Ukraine? With Michael McFaul
9 snips
Oct 22, 2026 
Michael McFaul, former US ambassador to Russia and Stanford political scientist, examines America’s dramatic shift toward Putin and away from Ukraine. He discusses the ideological battle within democracies, Elon Musk’s control of Starlink, China’s uneasy partnership with Russia, and Ukraine’s harsh winter. The conversation also considers whether American leadership and democratic cooperation can be rebuilt.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Trump’s Putin Admiration Became Policy
- Trump’s longstanding admiration for Putin has translated into policy during his second term.
- McFaul says cutting aid, opposing NATO membership, and lifting sanctions gave Putin concessions without securing anything for America or Ukraine.
The New Ideological Battle Runs Within States
- The central modern ideological conflict runs within countries between illiberal populist nationalists and liberal democrats.
- McFaul argues Trump’s approach rewards Putin while making Ukraine’s position worse, raising doubts about whether ending the war is his genuine goal.
Starlink Became Ukraine’s Battlefield Lifeline
- Ukraine depends on Starlink or Starshield to track missiles, guide interceptors, and operate on the battlefield.
- McFaul says throttling the service prevented Ukrainians from tracking fast attacks and contributed to civilian and military deaths.
