Plain English with Derek Thompson What Vladimir Putin Wants—and How Russia’s War in Ukraine Could Reshape the World
Feb 25, 2022
Explore the historical milestones influencing Putin's Ukraine invasion, revealing his ambitions tied to Soviet legacies. Experts discuss the war's ripple effects, including potential crises in energy, migration, and global geopolitics. The podcast dives into how Russian energy exports impact Europe and the risks posed by sanctions. Delve into the agricultural repercussions, particularly in wheat production, and how this could trigger political instability. Lastly, the evolving dynamics between global powers like China and the implications for a new Cold War are analyzed.
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Putin's Motivations
- Putin's motivations for invading Ukraine can be understood by considering 1989, 2008, and 2014.
- These years represent the fall of the Soviet Union, NATO's expansion, and Ukraine's pro-democracy revolution.
Cold War 2.0?
- Charles Kupchan believes the invasion marks the start of Cold War 2.0.
- China's role will determine if it's solely with Russia or a Russia-China alliance.
Strategic Gamble
- Putin's invasion of Ukraine, a country of 44 million, with 200,000 troops is strategically questionable.
- Kupchan questions how Russia can install a legitimate pro-Russian regime given the resistance.