State Secrets
Why We’re Still at War with Russia
Mar 26, 2025
Nick Fishwick, a former senior member of the British Foreign Office, and Dave Pitts, a former senior CIA executive specializing in clandestine operations, dive into the complex realities of modern warfare. They discuss Russia's mastery of gray zone tactics, which allow them to meddle internationally without triggering direct conflict. The conversation also explores how Western nations are evolving their strategies in response, analyzing the varied U.S. foreign policy approaches under different administrations and the importance of intelligence sharing amid geopolitical tensions.
33:48
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Quick takeaways
- Russia's gray zone operations manipulate ambiguity to damage adversaries without triggering formal military responses, complicating international relations.
- Recent shifts in Russian clandestine tactics demonstrate an evolving threat that necessitates enhanced intelligence collaboration among Western allies.
Deep dives
Understanding Gray Zone Operations
Gray zone operations refer to the unpredictable sphere between peace and war where nations work to promote their interests while undermining those of their adversaries, often without provoking a military response. This creates a tactical advantage, allowing states like Russia to damage opponents while remaining below the threshold that would trigger open conflict. As noted, recent reports indicate that Russia has intensified its sabotage efforts to exert pressure on the U.S. and its allies regarding Ukraine. Such operations exploit ambiguity, allowing for covert actions that can be construed as hostile without formal declarations of war.
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