The Freakonomics Radio Book Club 24. Is the U.S. Sleeping on Threats from Russia and China?
Dec 5, 2024
John J. Sullivan, former U.S. Deputy Secretary of State and U.S. Ambassador to Russia, shares insights from his extensive career in diplomacy. He discusses the fateful Biden-Putin meeting and warns about U.S. complacency regarding threats from Russia and China. Sullivan critiques ineffective sanctions and the failure of political leadership in addressing these issues. He predicts that despite changes in U.S. administration, Putin's ambitions remain unchanged, urging for proactive and strategic engagement with both nations to safeguard U.S. interests.
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Geneva Meeting That Didn't Stop Invasion
- John J. Sullivan recounts the June 16, 2021 Geneva meeting between Biden and Putin as a pivotal, informal encounter.
- He observed Ukraine was barely discussed and later judged Putin had essentially decided on invasion well before Geneva.
Choosing Moscow And Facing Daily Pressure
- Sullivan recounts moving from Foggy Bottom to the Moscow ambassadorship as an unusual, risky career choice.
- He describes Moscow as a place where Russia tries to annoy and compromise U.S. diplomats constantly.
Afghanistan Withdrawal Undermined Credibility
- Sullivan argues Afghanistan's chaotic withdrawal helped convince Putin to pull the trigger on Ukraine.
- He calls the Afghan withdrawal the 'nail in the coffin' that removed U.S. credibility in Kyiv's eyes.
