Glenn Diesen - Greater Eurasia Podcast Michael Carley: Rewriting WW2 - Historical Revisionism in Geopolitics
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Nov 28, 2025 In this discussion, Michael Jabara Carley, a retired historian and expert on Stalin, delves into the complexities of Western narratives surrounding WWII. He argues that historical revisionism distorts our understanding of Soviet contributions to the war, particularly the pivotal role of the Red Army at Stalingrad. Carley critiques how the West politicizes Soviet history and emphasizes the significance of the 1939 Nazi–Soviet Pact. He also examines the implications of Poland's foreign policy in the 1930s, presenting a nuanced view of pivotal historical events.
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Continuity Of Russian-Soviet Realism
- Michael Jabara Carley stresses continuity between Soviet and Russian foreign policy centered on national interest and border security.
- He argues Soviet diplomacy pursued realistic state interests, not only world revolution, and sought decent relations with the West.
Question Politicized Historical Narratives
- Carley warns listeners not to accept politicized Western histories that turn scholarship into anti-Russian propaganda.
- He advises studying national archives and original documents for an evidence-based view of Soviet history.
Eastern Front Was Decisive In WWII
- Carley emphasizes the decisive military role of the USSR and China in defeating Axis powers, especially the Red Army's destruction of Nazi ground forces.
- He notes the Red Army fought alone against most German divisions from 1941–1943 and suffered roughly 27 million Soviet deaths.