Decoding Geopolitics Podcast
#51 Anne Applebaum: Why Europe’s Security Strategy Is Failing & How the War in Ukraine Will End
Feb 17, 2025
Anne Applebaum, an American-Polish journalist and historian renowned for her expertise in Russia and Eastern Europe, shares critical insights at the Munich Security Conference. She discusses the implications of U.S. foreign policy on European security and the pressing need for independent defense strategies. Applebaum highlights Europe's awakening to security threats amid the Ukraine conflict and critiques the misconceptions about engaging with Russia. She warns of the complexities in negotiating with Russia, stressing the importance of appropriate security guarantees before any ceasefire efforts.
29:13
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Quick takeaways
- The U.S. Vice President's shift in foreign policy signals Europe's urgent need to reassess its security strategies and reliance on American support.
- Negotiating with Russia remains complex due to its military aggression, emphasizing the need for substantive security frameworks to ensure lasting peace in Ukraine.
Deep dives
U.S. Foreign Policy Shifts
The recent speech by U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance at the Munich Security Conference highlighted a marked shift in U.S. foreign policy, particularly regarding European security. Notably, Vance's address focused on American domestic politics rather than addressing critical issues such as Russian threats or military concerns, leaving many European defense leaders perplexed. This signals a potential disengagement by the U.S. from its long-standing role in European defense, urging Europeans to reassess their security strategies in light of these developments. As a response, there are calls for the establishment of a comprehensive European defense fund to ensure that Europe is no longer solely reliant on U.S. support.
