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Judging Freedom

Prof. Glenn Diesen: Why the US Misunderstands Russia.

Jan 13, 2025
Prof. Glenn Diesen, a Professor at the University of Southeastern Norway and expert on US-Russia relations, unpacks the layers of American misconceptions about Russia. He critiques neoconservative policies and the tensions that have surfaced post-Cold War, particularly under the current U.S. administration. The discussion shifts to NATO's influence and its risks to European security while highlighting the rising significance of BRICS nations. Diesen emphasizes the need for a new approach to US-Russia relations, advocating for cooperation and a deeper historical understanding.
22:19

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Russia perceives betrayal from the U.S. due to unaddressed post-Cold War grievances, fueling ongoing geopolitical tensions.
  • The rise of BRICS nations signifies a shift towards a multipolar world as countries seek alternatives to Western economic dominance.

Deep dives

Understanding Russia's Perception of U.S. Foreign Policy

Russia feels betrayed by the United States due to the lack of a mutually acceptable post-Cold War settlement. Prominent American leaders from the 1990s recognized this failure, leading to ongoing conflicts stemming from these unresolved issues. The Kremlin interprets many symptoms of this discontent, such as territorial disputes and tensions in neighboring regions, as direct consequences of U.S. actions, particularly the expansion of NATO. This misinterpretation often exacerbates conflicts, especially as high-level communication between U.S. and Russian leaders has notably declined in recent administrations.

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