Geopolitical Economy Report Why Trump can't end the war in Ukraine
Oct 29, 2025
Anatol Lieven, a war studies professor and Eurasian affairs analyst, joins Mick Dunford, an expert in economic geography and China, to discuss the complexities of the Ukraine conflict. They delve into how Trump's oil sanctions haven't halted the war, revealing Europe's motives for militarization and the challenges of diplomatic negotiations. The duo explores the decline of Western hegemony in a multipolar world, the dire human cost of the conflict, and the risks of a protracted low-level war or even nuclear escalation.
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Diplomacy As Domestic Theater
- Trump pursues peace deals largely as domestic theatre and image-making rather than serious diplomacy.
- Radhika Desai argues his moves aim at voters and prestige more than workable foreign-policy solutions.
Valdai Speech: Russia's Confident Posture
- Radhika Desai and Anatol Lieven attended Putin's Valdai speech and reported its tone firsthand.
- Desai notes Putin presented Russia as comfortable and hopeful in a polycentric world.
Donbass Is The Core Impasse
- The Donbass territorial demand is the single major sticking point preventing a negotiated settlement.
- Anatol Lieven says Russia insists on the whole Donbass while Ukraine and its army will not accept forced withdrawals.