'Don't make Putin make a point' a Russian warns the West
Jan 31, 2025
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Nina Khrushcheva, a Professor of International Affairs and great-granddaughter of Nikita Khrushchev, shares compelling insights on the current geopolitical climate. She argues that the West's reactions to Putin have inadvertently fortified his position in Russia. Khrushcheva reflects on her family's history and challenges the common narratives about Russia and the West, touching on the complexities of identity and nationalism today. Her thoughts on U.S.-Russia relations, the Ukraine conflict, and the potential pitfalls of provoking Putin offer a nuanced understanding of modern diplomacy.
Nina Khrushcheva emphasizes that the West's responses to Putin inadvertently bolster his domestic and international power, complicating the geopolitical landscape.
She highlights the cyclical nature of Russian leadership, suggesting future leaders may pursue collaboration with the West despite current tensions.
Deep dives
Professor Nina Khrushchev's Background and Perspective
Nina Khrushchev, a professor of international affairs at The New School, provides a unique perspective on modern Russia, stemming from her lineage as the great-granddaughter of Nikita Khrushchev, the former Soviet leader. Born in Moscow during the Soviet Union, she recalls her grandfather's significance and affable nature, contributing to her understanding of Russian political dynamics. Her transition to an academic in America was spurred by Mikhail Gorbachev's policies, which opened up opportunities for exploration and education beyond the Soviet regime. This cultural background affords her insights into the ongoing shifts within Russia during the current geopolitical climate.
Current State of Russia and Cultural Changes
Nina describes contemporary Russia as undergoing significant transformations, particularly since the onset of war, which has intensified a sense of isolation from Western cultures. Initially, she observed rapid alterations in public spaces and cultural expressions, such as street artists adapting their work to avoid Western symbols, reflecting a growing war mentality. She draws attention to the continued presence of Western influence, as seen in movie theaters promoting films like 'Oppenheimer' and 'Barbie,' illustrating a complex relationship between state-imposed isolation and public interest in global culture. Over time, such cultural expressions have begun to shift toward a localized identity, blending Russian elements with remnants of the Western past.
Putin's Power and Historical Context
The ongoing dialogue around Putin indicates a long-standing consolidation of power, with parallels drawn to historical figures like Stalin. Nina points out that Putin's tenure of over 25 years is marked by an acute awareness of his own power and a disconnection from everyday Russian life, fostering a governance style that echoes autocratic precedents. She notes that such extensive rule can lead to an absolute loss of perspective and disconnect from the realities of the nation, as absolute power can corrupt and create a distorted self-image among leaders. Consequently, the manifestation of power in Russia today can be juxtaposed against its historical narrative, where fear of losing power translates into aggressive foreign policy decisions.
Future Geopolitical Dynamics and Western Relations
The discussion anticipates an inevitable shift in geopolitical dynamics following Putin's leadership, with an emphasis on the cyclical nature of history in Russia—referring to the pendulum of political ideologies. As the pendulum swings, the potential for a subsequent leader to embrace collaborative strategies with the West increases, reflecting patterns observed with previous leaders like Khrushchev and Gorbachev. Despite current adversities, both Nina and the host express optimism that this cycle will foster future avenues for cooperation and pragmatic engagement, particularly in areas such as AI and arms control. This perspective acknowledges the complexities of Russia's historical identity and the importance of sustained dialogue between nations to navigate the shared consequences of past conflicts.
Nina Khrushcheva, great grand-daughter of the Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev, and Professor of International Affairs at The New School in New York, says the West's response to Putin has strengthened him at home and abroad and warns against provoking him further.
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Guest: Nina Khrushcheva, Professor of International Affairs, The New School, New York.