
Michael McFaul
Former U.S. ambassador to Russia. His expertise lies in Russian politics and U.S.-Russia relations.
Top 10 podcasts with Michael McFaul
Ranked by the Snipd community

16 snips
Mar 3, 2025 • 25min
In Trump vs. Zelenskyy, Putin Wins
Michael McFaul, former U.S. ambassador to Russia and Stanford professor, delves into the fallout from a notable meeting between Presidents Trump and Zelenskyy. He discusses how Trump’s criticism bolsters Russia’s position while weakening U.S. influence. The tensions of U.S.-Russia relations and the support for Ukraine from European leaders are examined. McFaul warns about the ideological alliances between the far-right in America and Putin, highlighting the broader implications for global stability.

8 snips
Jul 29, 2024 • 1h 13min
Episode 2550 CWSA 07/29/24
Michael McFaul, a former U.S. Ambassador to Russia, shares insights on leadership and data integrity in politics. Mark Kelly, an astronaut and U.S. Senator, discusses the importance of coherent governance amid global challenges. Vivek Ramaswamy, an entrepreneur, dives into the role of language in political strategy. The trio examines sensitive topics like Biden's public image, misinformation in data, and the implications of a global wealth tax. They also touch on the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and its regional impacts.

6 snips
Apr 5, 2022 • 1h 6min
A Soviet Reunion: Michael McFaul On What Putin Wants
The war continues in Ukraine while peace talks go forward in Istanbul – the outcome of both endeavors anyone’s guess. Michael McFaul, a Hoover senior fellow and former U.S. Ambassador to Russia, joins Hoover senior fellows Niall Ferguson, H.R. McMaster and John Cochrane to discuss the chances of a settlement that’s mutually beneficial to the two warring parties and the West, Vladimir Putin, plus the possibility of hostilities escalating.
Recorded April 4, 2022

5 snips
Mar 29, 2022 • 37min
Leadership lessons from Zelenskyy and Putin
Join Michael McFaul, a political scientist and former U.S. ambassador to Russia, as he delves into the stark contrasts between Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelensky's leadership styles amid the Ukraine conflict. Discover how Putin's rise has reshaped authoritarianism and the implications for democracy. McFaul reveals insights into Zelensky's resilience and motivations, emphasizing the critical importance of accountability in leadership. The discussion also highlights the differing impacts of their actions on global perceptions and national identity.

Jan 3, 2025 • 7min
How Trump can end the war in Ukraine, according to a former ambassador
Michael McFaul, a former U.S. Ambassador to Russia, offers keen insights into the Ukraine war and potential solutions. He discusses a bold proposal for U.S. involvement in peace talks, aiming to balance Russia's claims with Ukraine's aspirations for NATO membership. McFaul also emphasizes the difficult decisions facing future leaders, highlighting the need for compromise and recognition of sacrifices for lasting peace. His analysis combines diplomacy with the harsh realities of negotiation, painting a complex picture of the path forward.

Feb 28, 2025 • 1h 17min
Michael McFaul: Whose Side Are We On?
Michael McFaul, former U.S. ambassador to Russia and director at Stanford's Freeman Spogli Institute, shares his insights on Trump’s controversial stance towards Ukraine. He discusses the coercive rare earth minerals deal with Zelensky, framing it as extortion. McFaul analyzes Putin's perspective on U.S.-Russia relations and highlights Trump's admiration for the Russian leader. He warns of America’s waning role as a global leader and the European reaction to these dynamics, probing the broader implications for U.S. foreign policy.

Nov 11, 2024 • 50min
Meet the Press NOW — November 11
Ken Cuccinelli, a former senior DHS official during the Trump era, discusses the president-elect's ambitious mass deportation plans. He shares insights on the influence of key appointees and compares upcoming immigration strategies with those under Biden. Michael McFaul, former U.S. ambassador to Russia, offers perspectives on international relations, particularly regarding the Ukraine conflict and its implications for U.S. foreign policy. Together, they explore the political dynamics shaping Senate leadership as Trump's second term approaches.

Jul 4, 2023 • 12min
After Putin: Russia vs The West (Bonus Episode)
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.

Jun 15, 2021 • 14min
What's At Stake As President Biden Enters Negotiations With Vladimir Putin
Michael McFaul, former U.S. ambassador to Russia, provides fascinating insights on the high-stakes summit between President Biden and Vladimir Putin. He discusses the complexities of U.S.-Russia relations and the challenges posed by cyber threats. McFaul emphasizes the importance of direct communication and understanding the concentrated power structure within Russia. He highlights potential areas for negotiation, urging a focus on substantive issues rather than mere gestures, and reflects on the broader implications for international diplomacy.

Oct 30, 2018 • 1h 17min
114: Michael McFaul | What It's Like to Stand Up to Putin
Michael McFaul (@McFaul) is a former US ambassador to Russia, a professor of political science at Stanford University, and author of New York Times Best Seller From Cold War to Hot Peace: An American Ambassador in Putin's Russia.
What We Discuss with Michael McFaul:
What the role of an ambassador in the 21st century entails, how it differs from being a diplomat, and how it changes between administrations.
Ambassador McFaul's creative approach to problem-solving when confronted with relentless obstruction by Putin, and how he developed relationships and recruited allies in this hostile environment.
How ambassadors, government officials, and spies conduct their business and keep secrets overseas.
The exhaustive preparations and precautions that precede a meeting between two world leaders.
How to get inside the mind of another culture when doing business cross-culturally so you can be effective when you need to be.
And much more...
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