The President’s Inbox

Russia, Ukraine, and Global Instability, With Michael Kimmage

Apr 9, 2024

History professor Michael Kimmage discusses Russia's war in Ukraine, exploring the conflict's origins, global repercussions, and the complex interactions between Russia, Ukraine, the United States, and Europe. The podcast delves into historical events, security arrangements, NATO membership debates, and the global fallout of the conflict, highlighting Russia's strategic miscalculations and the impact on global security.

32:22

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Episode guests

Michael Kimmage

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Quick takeaways

Russia exploited Ukraine's power vacuum, annexed Crimea, and incited a secessionist movement in Donbas.

US responses fueled Putin's perception of weakness, driving global instability and consequences for Ukraine's defense capabilities.

Deep dives

Origins of Russia's War in Ukraine

The war began in February 2014 when Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych fled, opening a power vacuum exploited by Russia. Russia's desire to control Ukraine and Ukraine's vulnerability were key causes. Russia quickly annexed Crimea and incited a secessionist movement in the eastern Donbas region. Such events were the immediate fallout of Yanukovych's flight and longstanding Russian ambitions.

Russia and Putin: The Phased Answer

00:46

The Second Collision between Europe and Russia

00:45

Introduction

3min

Exploring the Roots of the Russia-Ukraine Conflict

2min

Debating Ukraine's Security Arrangements and NATO Membership

2min

The Complex Interactions in the Russia-Ukraine Conflict

15min

The Global Fallout of the Ukraine Conflict

7min

Analysis of Russia's strategic miscalculations and global security interconnections

3min

Michael Kimmage, a history professor at the Catholic University of America and a senior associate with the Europe, Russia, and Eurasia program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, sits down with James M. Lindsay to discuss the origins of Russia’s war in Ukraine and its repercussion for the global order.

Mentioned on the Episode

Michael Kimmage, Collisions: The Origins of the War in Ukraine and the New Global Instability

For an episode transcript and show notes, visit The President’s Inbox at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/russia-ukraine-and-global-instability-michael-kimmage