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.

Owen Matthews, Associate Editor for The Spectator and author examining the Russia-Ukraine conflict, teams up with Sergey Radchenko, a Johns Hopkins professor specializing in international relations. They delve into Trump's recent engagements with Putin and Zelensky, questioning if these are genuine moves towards peace or cleverly laid traps. The duo highlights the complexities of U.S.-Russia negotiations and critiques the effectiveness of European sanctions, all while contemplating the future of Ukraine amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions.

Sergey Radchenko, a Cold War historian from Johns Hopkins, and Andrea Kendall-Taylor, a former CIA analyst and Russia expert, share insights on Trump’s recent diplomatic maneuvers in Ukraine. They analyze the implications of the Trump-Putin summit and its perceived pageantry versus real outcomes. The duo discusses the contrasting views within Russia about the war and critiques the oversimplification of the conflict by Trump's administration. They highlight the need for strategic U.S. responses amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.

Freddy Gray hosts Sergey Radchenko, a Johns Hopkins professor, and Kate Andrews, Deputy US editor of The Spectator. They delve into Trump's surprising shift in foreign policy towards Russia, including his threats of severe tariffs unless a Ukraine deal is reached. The discussion covers his military support for Ukraine and how this affects his relationship with Putin. They also explore the complexities of Trump’s ties with his MAGA base, considering the future of Trumpism and the implications for Republican dynamics post-presidency.

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.