Daniel Davis Deep Dive Col Douglas Macgregor: CONTROLLED CHAOS Surrounding Ukraine Russia War
Jan 14, 2026
Col Douglas Macgregor, a retired U.S. Army colonel and defense analyst, shares his insights on the complexities surrounding the Ukraine-Russia war. He critiques the ineffective Paris meeting and discusses the chaotic nature of Trump’s foreign policy, emphasizing the need for European coordination. Macgregor highlights Ukraine’s manpower issues and corruption while outlining Russia's goal for a neutral Ukraine. He warns against current trends in U.S. policy that could destabilize international relations, advocating for strategic collaboration on global challenges.
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Optics Over Strategy
- The Trump administration is producing optics and atmospherics that substitute for substantive diplomacy.
- Douglas Macgregor calls this approach 'controlled chaos' with unclear goals and vague directives.
Ukraine's Manpower Crisis
- Ukraine faces massive manpower shortfalls with desertions, evasion, and heavy casualties undermining its war effort.
- Macgregor argues Russia seeks a neutral, profitable Ukraine rather than its destruction, and corruption complicates settlements.
Make Deals With Allies
- Negotiate resource and security deals with allies instead of coercion.
- Macgregor urges making commercial agreements with Denmark and Norway to secure Greenland interests and rare earths.