The Rachman Review The cold war guru whose warnings on Russia still stand
9 snips
Aug 7, 2025 
Ed Luce, a Financial Times journalist and the author of a biography on Zbigniew Brzezinski, delves into the influential statesman’s life and legacy. They discuss Brzezinski's foresights about the 'alliance of the aggrieved' involving Russia and China. Luce highlights Brzezinski's role during the Carter administration, revealing strategic tensions that echo in today’s politics. The conversation touches on Brzezinski's mixed legacy regarding human rights and his critical views on U.S. foreign policy, especially concerning the Middle East.
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Soviet Collapse Forecasted
- Brzezinski uniquely predicted the Soviet Union's collapse due to stagnant leadership and internal national resentments.
- He saw non-Russian Soviet populations resenting Russian dominance as the regime's Achilles heel.
Hard Realism Meets Morality
- Carter's presidency, aided by Brzezinski, combined hard-headed realism with a strong human rights emphasis.
- Their policies helped weaken the Soviet Union internally rather than through military confrontation alone.
Deng's Visit at Brzezinski's Home
- Deng Xiaoping stayed at Brzezinski's house during his 1979 U.S. visit, toasting the new China-U.S. relationship with vodka from the Soviet ambassador.
- This moment symbolized the geopolitical shift against the Soviet Union orchestrated by Brzezinski.
