Glenn Diesen - Greater Eurasia Podcast Sergey Karaganov: Confronting Europe, Pivot to East & Nuclear War
Dec 27, 2025
In this discussion, Sergey Karaganov, a longtime Russian foreign policy advisor and veteran speechwriter for Soviet and Russian leaders, dives into pressing geopolitical issues. He warns about the escalating risk of nuclear conflict if European support for Ukraine continues. Karaganov also highlights Russia's pivot to the East, its cultural roots in Siberia, and critiques NATO's role in European security. He discusses the need for a new European security architecture and reflects on Germany's growing assertiveness, suggesting a grave future if current trends continue.
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Internal Failures Threaten Russia
- Sergey Karaganov warns that Russia's main threat is internal mistakes and failure to invest in the East.
- He says restoring nuclear deterrence is necessary because European hostility has eroded it and risks escalation.
Nuclear Posture As European Check
- Karaganov argues Europe has become so aggressive that only strengthened nuclear deterrence can sober its leaders.
- He frames nuclear posture changes as a way to prevent continuation or resumption of war driven by European support for Ukraine.
Reinforce Deterrence With Capabilities
- Karaganov advises raising the nuclear threshold and deploying capabilities like tactical weapons and hypersonics to restore deterrence.
- He warns that crossing the threshold would be a moral sin but may become necessary if war continues.