Intelligence Squared No Bullsh*t Leadership, with John Simpson
Mar 16, 2022
John Simpson, BBC's World Affairs Editor with over 50 years of frontline reporting, shares his remarkable insights. He reflects on key historical events, including the fall of the Berlin Wall and the Iraq War, where he faced danger firsthand. Simpson discusses the complexities of interviewing dictators versus democratic leaders and highlights the resilience of Ukraine's president in the current crisis. He also emphasizes the vital role of journalism in shaping history and the ethical responsibilities that journalists hold.
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A Unique Crisis
- Russia's invasion of Ukraine is a unique crisis in modern history, marked by overt aggression against a neighbor.
- Similar invasions occurred during the Cold War, but the indiscriminate violence against civilians sets this conflict apart.
Misjudging Putin
- John Simpson believed the intelligence reports of an invasion were a bluff designed to make Putin nervous.
- He admits to misjudging Putin's intentions and the accuracy of the intelligence.
Unified West
- The West's unified response to the invasion surprised many, including Putin, given prior disagreements.
- Germany's strong stance and France's information sharing were unexpected.
