The Tom Woods Show Ep. 2680 Trump and Putin: A Dissident View
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Aug 14, 2025 Vladimir Brovkin, a Harvard professor of Russian history and author of 'From Vladimir Lenin to Vladimir Putin,' shares insights on the complex dynamics of U.S.-Russia relations. He discusses the implications of Trump's potential meeting with Putin and the misconceptions about Putin's intentions regarding Ukraine. Brovkin also delves into negotiation strategies, the effects of financial interests on diplomacy, and the shifting power in Ukraine amidst ongoing conflict. His perspectives offer a nuanced understanding of historical contexts influencing current events.
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Meeting Broadly About Superpower Relations
- The Alaska meeting won't resolve everything because U.S.-Russia ties cover many strategic areas beyond Ukraine.
- Putin likely framed the meeting to address missile defense, space weapons, and economic cooperation as well as territorial issues.
Putin's Early Personal Diplomacy
- Vladimir Brovkin recounts Putin's early-2000s charm offensive with Western leaders like Schroeder, Berlusconi, Bush, and Merkel.
- He emphasizes Putin's personal diplomacy and long record of seeking friendly ties before recent deterioration.
Public Contradictions As Negotiating Tactic
- Brovkin argues Trump's apparent contradictions are strategic moves to balance domestic critics and international negotiations.
- Trump publicly placates hawks while privately negotiating a deal with Putin built over months.
