Multipolarity All’s Fair In War, Slumdog Day Afternoon, Shite Christmas
Aug 21, 2025
The podcast delves into the geopolitical shifts surrounding the Ukraine War and the complex dynamics at play among U.S. and European leaders. It discusses India's strategic moves in the context of Russian financing, revealing unexpected consequences of Trump's policies. The conversation highlights how U.S. consumers are set to bear the brunt of rising trade tariffs, as Goldman Sachs predicts impending inflation spikes. This mix of diplomacy, economic strategies, and holiday pressures creates a compelling narrative of today's shifting global landscape.
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Trump Shifts War Endgame
- Philip Pilkington argues Trump's meetings signalled acceptance of Russian end-terms for the Ukraine war.
- He predicts Ukraine will remain out of NATO and Russia will keep Donbass, forcing Europe to adjust politically.
What 'Security Guarantees' Really Mean
- Andrew Collingwood explains 'security guarantees' are a diplomatic workaround to keep Ukraine out of NATO while offering Article 5-like promises.
- He says Russia is unlikely to accept such a quasi-NATO arrangement and Europe pushes it to avoid admitting strategic failure.
Europe's Political Desperation
- Collingwood highlights Europe's political fear: admitting a lost war will devastate leaders and economies after costly support for Ukraine.
- He links the desperation to massive economic damages including de-industrialisation and trillion-euro costs.