Intelligence Squared After Putin: Russia vs The West (Bonus Episode)
Jul 4, 2023
Michael McFaul, former U.S. Ambassador to Russia, shares his firsthand experiences with the Putin regime and explores the dynamics of U.S.-Russia relations. He discusses the implications of the recent Prigozhin mutiny and what it could mean for Putin's longevity in power. McFaul highlights missed opportunities for democratic support in Russia after the Soviet collapse and contrasts it with post-WWII Germany. The conversation raises critical questions about whether the West and Russia can move towards peaceful coexistence despite their fraught history.
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Episode notes
Pre-Putin Russia
- The political climate before Putin's rule in Russia was volatile, with pro-democracy and communist forces mobilizing.
- Russia's trajectory wasn't predetermined; leaders like Gorbachev and Yeltsin favored Western relations, unlike Putin.
Coup Differences
- The 1991 coup attempt differed from Prigozhin's mutiny, as Gorbachev aimed for better Western relations, unlike Putin.
- Pro-democratic forces, absent in Putin's Russia, were key in 1991, highlighting a significant difference.
Missed Opportunity
- The West missed a chance to support Russian democratic forces in the early 90s, potentially preventing Putin's rise.
- A 'Marshall Plan' for Russia could have consolidated democracy and lessened the economic transition's impact.