M. Gessen: What Putin Wants (Beyond Making Trump His Bitch)
Mar 10, 2025
auto_awesome
M. Gessen, a Moscow-born journalist and New York Times opinion columnist, dives deep into the shifting tides of U.S. policy amid the Ukraine war. They discuss Trump's curious alignment with Putin, revealing how it reshapes support for Volodymyr Zelensky and impacts Europe. Gessen also examines Putin's imperial ambitions rooted in historical accords and the urgent need for a robust European defense strategy. The conversation highlights the perilous stakes of right-wing populism and the complex dynamics of contemporary geopolitics.
M. Gessen argues that Trump's foreign policy shift reflects a troubling alignment with authoritarian regimes, impacting Ukraine's defense strategy.
Putin's ambitions extend beyond territorial gains, aiming to restore Russia's global influence and posing a significant threat to regional stability.
Europe's recognition of the existential threat posed by Putin has prompted calls for a coordinated military response to support Ukraine.
Deep dives
The Dynamics of Peace Negotiations
Ukraine is ready to engage in negotiations to achieve lasting peace, as indicated by President Zelensky's recent correspondence. His willingness to come to the table highlights the urgency of the situation, as the need for stability in the region becomes increasingly critical. The U.S. administration's commitment to support Ukraine's sovereignty is crucial, especially in light of Trump's controversial statements about negotiating terms favorable to Russia. The episode underscores the fragility of the peace process, as Zelensky's optimism is juxtaposed against aggressive military actions by Russia, demonstrating the complexity of reaching a diplomatic resolution.
The Role of American Leadership
Trump's approach to U.S. foreign policy regarding Ukraine reflects a troubling alignment with authoritarian regimes, as evidenced by his perceptions of both Zelensky and Putin. His desire for a peace agreement that serves his interests, coupled with an impulsive demeanor, raises concerns about the stability of American foreign policy. The U.S. commitment to NATO and its allies comes into question as Trump oscillates between the roles of peacekeeper and appeaser. This shift could have serious ramifications for Ukraine's defense and overall security in the face of continued Russian aggression.
The Changing Political Landscape
The dynamics within the Republican Party reveal a stark shift in perception towards Zelensky and Ukraine, as partisan politics increasingly influence foreign policy. Trump’s antagonistic rhetoric toward Zelensky contrasts sharply with previous bipartisan support for Ukraine, signaling a potential abandonment of democratic principles in favor of opportunistic political gains. Prominent GOP figures falling in line behind Trump, even when espousing anti-Zelensky sentiments, reflects a concerning trend of prioritizing party loyalty over strategic alliances. This realignment poses serious challenges for Ukraine as it seeks continued support against a revanchist Russia.
Putin's Expansive Ambitions
Putin's vision extends beyond merely reclaiming the former Soviet territories; it encompasses a broader ambition to restore Russia as a significant global power. His desire to reshape international borders reflects a sense of victimhood cultivated by years of perceived marginalization from Western powers. This notion is echoed by figures like Alexander Dugin, who advocate for a Russia that reestablishes its influence over Eastern Europe, presenting a dire threat to regional stability. The implications of these ambitions highlight the potential for conflict to escalate if not adequately addressed by the global community.
The Urgency of European Response
European leaders have begun to recognize the existential threat posed by Putin's aggression and are calling for a coordinated military response, emphasizing the need to take collective action. Statements from EU officials suggest a pivotal shift in approach, acknowledging that the conflict in Ukraine represents a direct challenge to European security. This newfound urgency reflects a broader acknowledgment that the buffer provided by Ukraine is crucial for maintaining stability within the continent. However, the effectiveness of this response hinges on the ability of European nations to translate rhetoric into concrete military and financial support for Ukraine.
John is joined by New York Times opinion columnist M. Gessen to discuss Donald Trump’s affinity for Vladimir Putin and what it means for Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukraine, and the whole of Europe. Gessen, winner of the 2017 National Book Award for The Future Is History: How Totalitarianism Reclaimed Russia, contends it’s now crystal clear that the U.S. has switched sides in the Ukraine war and offers a number of entwined explanations as to Trump’s motives for doing so; that Putin’s larger territorial/imperial ambitions are rooted in his fixation on the 1945 Yalta accords and the framework established there by FDR, Stalin, and Churchill; and that Europe's swift and dramatic response to Trump's turn against Zelensky may prove as historic as the other paradigm-shifting events of the past fortnight.
