Nikola Mikovic: Putin’s “Emperor Has No Clothes” Moment?
Aug 23, 2024
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Nikola Mikovic, a Serbian journalist and geopolitical analyst, dives deep into what he calls Putin's 'Emperor Has No Clothes' moment. He argues that Russia's weaknesses are increasingly evident amid ongoing conflicts. Mikovic reassures listeners that a WWIII escalation is unlikely and discusses the crucial dynamics of the DragonBear relationship and Central Asian geopolitics. He also highlights the digital reliance in China and the pressing lithium mining controversies in Serbia, painting a vivid picture of modern geopolitical challenges.
The podcast emphasizes Russia's military vulnerabilities exposed by Ukraine's encroachments, specifically highlighting the humiliation faced by Moscow in Kursk.
Central Asia's significant geopolitical role is underscored, with Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan emerging as strategic players amidst their relationships with China and Russia.
Concerns are raised about the implications of digital payment systems in China, posing risks to personal freedom and increasing government surveillance.
Deep dives
Importance of Regional Geopolitics
The podcast highlights the increasing significance of Central Asia in global geopolitics, particularly regarding energy resources. Countries like Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan are seen as strategic players due to their rich natural resources, and their relationships with both China and Russia are crucial for the surrounding regions. Kazakhstan's multivector foreign policy aims to balance ties between these two major powers and the West, reflecting the complexities of post-Soviet geopolitics. Understanding these dynamics is essential for predicting how regional nations might align themselves in the wake of Russia’s actions in Ukraine.
The Fallout of Russian Weakness
The discussion presents a stark view of Russia’s military vulnerabilities following Ukraine's incursions into Russian territory, specifically the Kursk region. This incursion is described as a significant humiliation for Moscow and showcases Ukraine's capability to challenge Russia within its borders. The podcast argues that Russia's inability to react decisively undermines its image both domestically and abroad, potentially leading to a loss of influence among its neighbors. The impact on Russian morale and public sentiment is critical, as many Russians express disillusionment and apathy towards the ongoing conflict.
China and Russia's Evolving Relationship
The podcast delves into the complex and increasingly dependent relationship between China and Russia, especially in the context of energy resources. With Russia seeking new markets for its fossil fuels due to sanctions and loss of the European market, it turns to China; however, this comes at a cost. China is leveraging this dependence to negotiate lower gas prices, forcing Russia into a compromising position. The tension arising from China’s growing influence is a critical area to watch, as it could shift the balance of power in the region if Russia becomes fully reliant on Chinese terms.
Dystopian Trends in Digital Payments
The conversation addresses the alarming trend towards digital payments and social credit systems in countries like China, reflecting a broader global push towards technological control. The speaker expresses concerns about the implications of living in a cashless society, where reliance on technology could lead to increased surveillance and control over individuals. This move is seen as a double-edged sword, offering convenience but at the cost of personal freedom and privacy. The rise of such systems poses questions about security and autonomy in the face of increasing government oversight.
Environmental Concerns Over Lithium Extraction
The podcast sheds light on the ongoing protests in Serbia concerning lithium mining, driven by pressure from the European Union to secure lithium supplies for electric vehicle production. The local population's resistance is framed as an environmental struggle against corporate interests that prioritize resource extraction over ecological integrity. The discussion extends to the geopolitical implications, highlighting the complexities of local opposition against foreign corporate agendas. As Serbia navigates these pressures, the potential negative consequences for the environment become a critical point of contention for its citizens.
Nikola Mikovic discusses what he considers to be Putin's "Emperor Has No Clothes" moment in Kursk. Russia continues demonstrating its weakness on a daily basis and it's becoming hard to hide it. At the moment, he doesn't see any threat of escalation toward WWIII. He touches on the DragonBear relationship, Central Asian geopolitics, what's happening in Serbia with the lithium, and how in China living without smart phones, QR codes and mobile apps, is almost inconceivable.
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Geopolitics & Empire · Nikola Mikovic: Putin's "Emperor Has No Clothes" Moment? #458
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Websites
Twitter https://twitter.com/nikola_mikovic
Telegram https://t.me/Nikola_Mikovic
About Nikola Mikovic
Nikola Mikovic is a freelance journalist, researcher and analyst based in Serbia. He covers mostly the foreign policies of Russia, Belarus and Ukraine, as well as energy-related issues.
Nikola primarily focuses on Russia’s involvement in post-Soviet space, the Middle East, and the Balkans. He writes for several publications such as Byline Times, CGTN, Lowy Institute, Global Comment, and World Geostratregic Insights, among others.
*Podcast intro music is from the song "The Queens Jig" by "Musicke & Mirth" from their album "Music for Two Lyra Viols": http://musicke-mirth.de/en/recordings.html (available on iTunes or Amazon)
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