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The Munk Debates Podcast

Munk Debates Podcast: Stephen Walt and Evelyn Farkas on Trump's plan for Ukraine and the changing world order

Feb 28, 2025
Stephen Walt, a renowned professor from Harvard and journalist, joins Evelyn Farkas, an expert on U.S. foreign policy, to dissect the complexities of the Ukraine conflict. They explore what a successful peace deal might entail, while reflecting on Russia's imperial aspirations. Their discussion highlights Trump's admiration for autocrats and the resulting shifts in global alliances, necessitating a unified Western response to deter Russian aggression. The importance of trust in American diplomacy, especially concerning NATO and Taiwan's security, also takes center stage.
24:58

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • A viable peace deal for Ukraine must not only end hostilities but also ensure its sovereignty against future Russian aggression.
  • The Trump administration's inclination towards strongman leaders poses risks to international alliances, potentially destabilizing the global order.

Deep dives

Negotiating a Peace Settlement

The conversation emphasizes the necessity for a peace settlement in Ukraine, recognizing that both sides are fatigued from the ongoing conflict. The discussion acknowledges that while the war was initiated by unprovoked aggression from Russia, there is an urgent need to end hostilities. However, it is crucial that the settlement terms protect Ukraine from future invasions. Ensuring Ukraine's sovereignty is paramount, as Russia's ambitions under Putin still include reconstituting influence over former Soviet territories.

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