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In Moscow's Shadows

In Moscow's Shadows 190: Sanctions, Spies, and Suspect Legitimacy

Mar 9, 2025
The podcast explores the implications of potential sanctions against Russia and their unpredictable impact on international diplomacy. It highlights the evolution of Russian intelligence tactics and delves into the political legitimacy of Putin's regime, informed by recent literature. Discussions also cover grassroots activism and civic engagement, challenging common stereotypes about Russians. The complexities of legitimacy in governance and societal values in modern Russia reveal how public acceptance can persist, even amid challenges.
51:02

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Trump's ambiguous stance on sanctions highlights the complexity of U.S.-Russia relations and raises questions about future policy directions.
  • The rise of grassroots movements in Russia signals a potential shift in societal engagement, challenging state narratives through everyday political acts.

Deep dives

Trump's Sanctions on Russia: Uncertainty and Hypocrisy

Recent commentary has highlighted Donald Trump's contradictory stance on imposing further sanctions on Russia, as he simultaneously hints at considering banking sanctions while expressing sympathy for Putin's actions in Ukraine. This ambiguity raises questions about Trump's true intentions and potential shifts in U.S. policy regarding sanctions and negotiations. While Trump suggests sanctions will be contingent on a ceasefire, experts note that these tariffs may be ineffectual given the limited trade exchange between the U.S. and Russia. Observers from Moscow seem largely unconcerned, maintaining that the approach towards Trump reflects a pragmatic understanding of shifting interests rather than a genuine alliance.

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