Judging Freedom AMB. Chas Freeman : Can the President Kill Outside of War?
Sep 9, 2025
In this engaging discussion, former US Ambassador Chas Freeman shares his insights on presidential authority regarding extrajudicial killings. He tackles the ethical and legal implications of such power outside of declared warfare. Freeman also examines the political instability in Western democracies, shedding light on ongoing leadership challenges. He critiques the support for Ukraine amid the Russian offensive and reflects on the concerning trends of surveillance and erosion of civil liberties. His perspective bridges history, governance, and individual freedom.
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Ukraine Nears Military Collapse
- Chas Freeman says Ukraine is near military defeat and Western support lacks resources to change that outcome.
- He argues European and US capacity limits and lack of coherent vision make prolonged Ukrainian resistance unlikely.
Limits Of Western Leverage
- Freeman calls the Western coalition a 'coalition of the deluded' due to lack of financial and military leverage.
- He warns confiscating Russian reserves would destroy banking credibility and backfire economically.
Putin's War Of Attrition
- Freeman says Putin pursues a war of attrition to remove future Ukrainian threats to Russia.
- He argues Russia will not tolerate foreign troops in Ukraine and seeks security buffers by force.