Sergey Radchenko

Sergey Radchenko, author of "To Run the World: The Kremlin’s Bid for Global Power," explores the motivations and absurdities of Soviet and Chinese leaders in their pursuit of global prestige. He delves into Stalin's colonial ambitions, Khrushchev's economic failures, and the complex Sino-Soviet relations shaped by Cold War dynamics. The discussion offers intriguing anecdotes, including humorous interactions between leaders and insights into the historical significance of legitimacy in international politics. Radchenko’s perspective reshapes our understanding of past and present global power struggles.

In this engaging discussion, Sergey Radchenko, a professor at Johns Hopkins and author of "To Run the World," analyzes Soviet motivations during the Cold War. He dives into how the USSR sought global recognition over ideology, using newly declassified documents to reshape our understanding of the era. The conversation also explores Stalin's quest for legitimacy and the complexities of Cold War détente, highlighting the stark contrasts between past and present attitudes towards nuclear weapons and the economic lessons for China from the Soviet experience.

Discover the Kremlin's Cold War strategies, insights into Soviet leaders' mindsets, and historical anecdotes like Stalin's permission for the Korean invasion. Uncover untold stories from newly discovered documents and the impact of individual leaders on global events.

Historian Sergey Radchenko, a distinguished professor at Johns Hopkins, explores Soviet foreign policy and its modern implications. He shares insights from his book on the Kremlin's Cold War strategies. The discussion reveals how the quest for international prestige shaped Soviet actions and continues to impact Russia's global stance today. Radchenko delves into the evolving Sino-Soviet relationship, highlighting its historical complexities and relevance to current events like the Ukraine invasion. This rich conversation connects past and present in international relations.

Sergei Radchenko, a historian and prize-winning author, dives into the psychological motivations behind Soviet leaders, revealing their deep-seated desire for greatness. He discusses how these motivations shaped not just the Cold War, but also today’s Russia. Ratchet examines sensitive archival access since 2013 and unpacks emotional diplomacy between U.S. and Russian leaders, highlighting how overlooked personal dynamics influenced key historical moments. Ultimately, he sheds light on Russia's persistent quest for U.S. recognition as a global power.

In this thought-provoking discussion, Sergey Radchenko, a prominent expert on Cold War history, dives into the tumultuous Sino-Soviet rivalry. He explores Khrushchev's ousting and Brezhnev's rise, revealing how Vietnam shaped their relations. Radchenko also discusses the surprising Sino-American rapprochement during Nixon's era and the implications of the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. He draws parallels between past and present leadership ambitions, ultimately reflecting on how these historical dynamics inform current U.S. strategies towards China and Russia.

Dmitri Alperovitch hosts Andrei Lankov, a North Korea expert and professor, alongside Sergey Radchenko, a Cold War historian. They discuss the dire threats from North Korea's nuclear ambitions and the potential for a second Korean War. The conversation covers the intricacies of North Korea's relationships with China and Russia, revealing China's growing frustrations. Lankov shares insights on life under the regime, including the extensive surveillance, the realities of prison camps, and the surprising role of technology and female empowerment in this repressive society.

Sarah Rainsford is a BBC correspondent based in Kyiv, reporting firsthand on the war in Ukraine, while Sergey Radchenko is a renowned Cold War historian offering deep geopolitical insights. They discuss President Zelensky’s diplomatic moves across Europe and the importance of sustained support amidst the conflict. The duo questions whether the West truly grasps the reality of the war and examines how upcoming elections might influence public and military backing for Ukraine, highlighting the complexities of sentiment and strategies across nations.

Historian Sergey Radchenko discusses the intense diplomacy between Ukraine and Russia at the beginning of the full-scale invasion. Topics include the shooting down of a Russian bomber by Ukraine, escalating tensions, US military aid, challenges faced by YouTube channels reporting on the war, and the evolution of negotiations between the two countries.

Sergey Radchenko, a Cold War historian, discusses declassified Soviet and Chinese archives revealing China's role in the Cuban Missile Crisis, Soviet intelligence failure in the Korean War, and Breznev's actions during Watergate. They explore lessons for Cold War II with China, the possibility of detente, and America's path to victory.