

The Ukraine Crisis Explained — with Niall Ferguson
Mar 24, 2022
Niall Ferguson, a prominent historian and senior fellow at Stanford's Hoover Institution, discusses the geopolitical fallout of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. He analyzes Putin's motivations, highlighting the intertwined history of Europe and Russian energy dependence. Ferguson also critiques American media narratives about the conflict and discusses the economic implications, including investment risks and the role of U.S. support for Ukraine. The conversation delves into how corrupt regimes impact economies and the potential for a Ukrainian insurgency.
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Germany's Ostpolitik
- Germany's Ostpolitik, or Eastern policy, involved engaging economically with Russia to foster peaceful coexistence.
- This policy, combined with Wandel durch Handel (change through trade), led to increased European dependence on Russian gas and oil.
Economic Integration and Peace
- Economic integration does not guarantee peace, as geopolitical calculations can override economic rationality.
- Historical examples, such as World War I and the US-China relationship, demonstrate this.
Putin's Motivation
- Putin's invasion of Ukraine aims to reassert Russia's historical dominance over the territory.
- He rejects Ukraine's independence and Western leanings, viewing it as a historical affront.