The Fifth Column Members Only #283 - Putin on the Fritz (w/ Ambassador Michael McFaul)
Oct 28, 2025
Michael McFaul, former U.S. Ambassador to Russia and Stanford professor, dives into the complexities of U.S.-Russia relations. He discusses Trump's shifting views on Putin and how these changes have influenced American politics. McFaul also explores the deep-rooted ideology behind Putin's actions, questioning whether recent conflicts were truly American-instigated. He addresses the surprising lack of protest among Russians despite heavy casualties and dissects how modern surveillance fuels public silence.
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NATO Expansion Is Not The Primary Cause
- NATO expansion did not cause Russia's invasions in 2014 or 2022 according to Michael McFaul's assessment.
- He emphasizes that hypotheses require evidence and facts matter in explaining Putin's actions.
Putin's Long Investment In Foreign Allies
- McFaul recounts how Putin invested for decades in relationships with far-right figures and media abroad to influence politics.
- He argues Putin overreached by demanding ever more from Trump, including control over Donbass.
Overreach Changed Trump-Putin Dynamics
- McFaul says Putin overreached with Trump by continually increasing demands instead of accepting deals.
- That overreach may explain recent shifts in Trump's public posture toward Putin.
