Daniel Davis Deep Dive John Mearsheimer: DEADLY ATTACKS are RUSSIA's ANSWER to Sloppy Peace Strategies
Aug 28, 2025
In this engaging discussion, John Mearsheimer, an esteemed international relations theorist from the University of Chicago, shares his insights on the recent drone strike in Kiev, revealing Russia’s steadfast military objectives amidst a backdrop of propaganda. He delves into the complexities of Ukraine-Russia peace negotiations and critiques U.S. foreign policy, particularly its impact on India. The conversation also touches on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, exploring Israel's dependence on U.S. support and the growing divide within the Democratic Party regarding foreign policy.
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Russia's Attacks Match Strategic Objectives
- John Mearsheimer argues Russian strikes are consistent with their declared objective to continue the war until achieved.
- He calls Western outrage mostly part of a propaganda war that obscures battlefield realities.
Civilian Damage Often Ambiguous
- Mearsheimer notes it's unclear whether civilian hits are collateral or intentional because both sides wage propaganda.
- He finds current strikes do not look like a systematic mass-casualty punishment campaign.
Interception Claims Don't Pass Common Sense
- He argues Ukrainian claims of near-total interceptions fail common-sense given rising Russian drone volume and lethality.
- He sees a pattern of Western and Ukrainian propaganda overstating battlefield success.