

Serhii Plokhy
Historian who teaches Ukrainian and East European history at Harvard University and is the director of the Ukrainian Research Institute at Harvard. He offers insights into the formation of Ukrainian identity and its relationship with Russia.
Top 10 podcasts with Serhii Plokhy
Ranked by the Snipd community

269 snips
Mar 4, 2024 • 3h 28min
#415 – Serhii Plokhy: History of Ukraine, Russia, Soviet Union, KGB, Nazis & War
In this engaging discussion, Serhii Plokhy, a renowned Ukrainian historian and director at Harvard's Ukrainian Research Institute, dives into the intricate histories of Ukraine and Russia. He unpacks the roots of Ukrainian nationalism, examining figures like Stepan Bandera and the complexities of his legacy. Plokhy also explores the KGB's chilling influence on Russian political culture, and ties historical events like Holodomor and Chernobyl to contemporary identity struggles. With insights on the ongoing conflict, he sheds light on the fractured path to peace.

15 snips
Oct 21, 2025 • 37min
What really happened in the Trump-Zelensky meeting?
Christopher Miller, chief Ukraine correspondent for the Financial Times, provides a gripping inside look at the Trump-Zelensky meeting, revealing tension and Trump's unexpected rejection of battlefield maps. Historian Serhii Plokhy offers insights into nuclear threats, explaining the historical context of Ukraine's nuclear disarmament and its implications for non-proliferation. The discussion highlights how the war reflects Cold War dynamics, Putin's historical justifications, and the risks surrounding the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant amidst ongoing conflict.

14 snips
Nov 3, 2025 • 1h 38min
Downstream: Putin’s War in Ukraine Has Ancient Roots w/ Serhii Plokhy
Serhii Plokhy, a Harvard scholar specializing in Ukrainian history, delves into the historical roots of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. He explains why Russia is viewed as a declining empire and how its perceptions of Ukraine shape current policies. Plokhy also critiques Putin's narrative around 'de-Nazification' as a means to erase Ukrainian identity. The discussion touches on nuclear proliferation risks and the geopolitical landscape, underscoring the implications of Russia's military strategies amid a resurging multipolar world.

14 snips
Oct 23, 2025 • 33min
Nuclear weapons and the balance of terror
Historian Serhii Plokhy, a Harvard professor and author of 'The Nuclear Age', joins the discussion on how Russia's invasion of Ukraine has reshaped our understanding of nuclear threats. He elaborates on nuclear blackmail, the dangers posed by fighting near power plants, and the shifting balance of fear in global politics. Plokhy also shares compelling insights on historical nuclear motivations, espionage’s role in the Soviet bomb development, and the implications of modern risks like cyber threats and the emergence of new nuclear states.

13 snips
Oct 27, 2025 • 48min
Putin tests 'invincible' nuclear missile & Serhii Plokhy on the new arms race
In this discussion, renowned historian Serhii Plokhy sheds light on nuclear history and modern implications as tensions escalate in the Russo-Ukrainian war. He explains the renewed global arms race and critiques the impact of nuclear disarmament on Ukraine's security. Plokhy shares chilling anecdotes of near misses during the Cold War and warns of the proliferation risks triggered by current conflicts. His insights emphasize the importance of today’s decisions for future global stability and the urgent need to reassess deterrence strategies.

Mar 10, 2022 • 44min
Ukraine's Dangerous Independence
Serhii Plokhii, a historian at Harvard and director of the Ukrainian Research Institute, passionately discusses the unique formation of Ukrainian identity. He debunks the notion proposed by Putin that Ukrainians lack a distinct identity, highlighting the intertwined but unique histories of Ukraine and Russia. The conversation navigates crucial moments like the Cossack resistance and the impact of events such as the Holodomor, framing Ukraine's struggle for independence as a powerful narrative of resilience against geopolitical tensions.

Nov 17, 2025 • 27min
Is the world entering a new age of nuclear testing?
Serhii Plokhy, a Harvard historian and expert on nuclear history, delves into the implications of potential nuclear testing by the U.S. With discussions sparked by recent comments from the Trump administration, he explores the historical ramp-up of testing post-WWII, the fallout from events like Castle Bravo, and the cultural impact of the Lucky Dragon incident. He highlights the risks of returning to testing, especially amidst rising global tensions, while cautioning against breaking long-standing testing taboos and the potential for escalation in international relations.

Oct 15, 2025 • 60min
Lawfare Daily: Serhii Plokhii on the History of the Nuclear Arms Race
Serhii Plokhii, a Harvard history professor and an expert on the Cold War and Ukraine, delves into the intricacies of nuclear proliferation in this enlightening discussion. He explores how fear and prestige drive nations to pursue nuclear arms, sharing insights on the devastating bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Plokhii also examines Ukraine's decision to relinquish its nuclear arsenal, the implications of the Budapest Memorandum, and warns of the dangers posed by Russian aggression to global non-proliferation efforts.

Apr 7, 2025 • 1h 1min
Tschernobyl
Serhii Plokhy, Professor und Autor, entführt uns in die düstere Geschichte von Tschernobyl. Er erklärt die schockierenden Ereignisse der Katastrophe von 1986 und wie die Sowjetunion versuchte, die Wahrheit zu verschleiern. Die dramatische Evakuierung von Pripyat wird lebendig, und Plokhy diskutiert die langfristigen Folgen, die bis heute spürbar sind. Zudem beleuchtet er die Verbindung zwischen der Anti-Atomkraftbewegung und den Unabhängigkeitsbestrebungen in Litauen und der Ukraine. Ein tiefgrüner Einblick in ein strahlendes Erbe.

Oct 21, 2024 • 1h 3min
Harvard Historian Serhii Plokhy - Chernobyl Under Russian Occupation
Serhii Plokhy, a Harvard professor and expert in nuclear technology, discusses the extraordinary courage of Ukrainian workers trapped at Chernobyl during the Russian occupation. He shares gripping stories of their critical decisions that averted further nuclear disaster amid chaos. Plokhy draws parallels between the current conflict and the original Chernobyl tragedy, exposing global unpreparedness for nuclear crises. His insights highlight the urgent need for better nuclear safety measures and the human resilience that shines through in dire circumstances.


