Judging Freedom Prof. John Mearsheimer: An Istanbul Peace Conference?
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May 15, 2025 
John Mearsheimer, a distinguished Political Science professor at the University of Chicago, dives into the complexities of the Russia-Ukraine conflict and diplomacy at a peace conference in Istanbul. He critiques the current negotiation processes and highlights the geopolitical implications of the prolonged warfare. The discussion also touches on U.S.-Israel relations amid the Gaza crisis, stressing the need for accountability. Mearsheimer emphasizes a pragmatic approach to U.S. foreign policy, arguing for a shift towards local interest-driven strategies.
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No Realistic Peace Settlement Now
- The conflicting fundamental goals of Russia and Ukraine make a significant peace settlement impossible now.
- The negotiation process is chaotic and lacks smart coordination, reducing chances for any agreement.
Prolonging War Is Foolish
- Western leaders believe prolonging the war will wear down Russia to achieve victory.
- Mearsheimer argues this is foolish; Russia is likely to gain more ground.
Russia’s Strategy in Negotiations
- Russia seeks to appear reasonable diplomatically while gaining battlefield advantages.
- The war is expected to end militarily, not through negotiations under current conditions.