Russian Roulette

Maria spoke with journalist Keith Gessen and scholar Bryn Rosenfeld about their work trying to make sense of Russian public opinion towards the war in Ukraine, and what it means for our understanding of Russian society today.

Delve into U.S.-Russia negotiations regarding Ukraine, as experts dissect contrasting strategies from the Biden and Trump administrations. Unpack the complexities of a potential ceasefire and the critical balance between immediate peace and long-term conflict resolution. Explore Ukraine's evolving military capabilities and the vital security guarantees needed amidst ongoing aggression. Highlight the implications of NATO's strategy in boosting European defense collaboration and examine the risks of intensified Sino-Russian ties in the current geopolitical landscape.

Kate Bondar, a Fellow at the Wadwani AI Center, and Sam Bendett delve into the cutting-edge intersection of drones and AI in the Ukraine conflict. They discuss how these technologies are reshaping modern warfare and highlight the swift adaptation of Ukraine's military to incorporate innovative tech. The conversation covers the psychological impact of drone operations, the rapid evolution of soldier training through AI, and the contrasting strategies of the Russian and Ukrainian forces. A fascinating look at the future of warfare awaits!

Rose Gottemoeller, a former Deputy Secretary General of NATO and expert in international security, returns to discuss the complex negotiations involving the U.S., Russia, and Ukraine. She shares insights on the shifting dynamics of U.S.-Russia relations and the challenges surrounding NATO membership and territorial concessions. Gottemoeller emphasizes Europe’s critical role in nuclear discussions and the importance of ongoing dialogue. The conversation dives into the fundamental issues of achieving a lasting ceasefire, reflecting on historical negotiation processes and the need for transparency.

Volodymyr Dubovyk, an expert on Ukraine's international relations, and Tinatin Japaridze, a regional analyst for Georgia and Azerbaijan, dive into the impact of Trump's policies on post-Soviet states. They explore Ukraine's mixed sentiments about U.S. support amid military aid concerns and discuss regional reactions in the South Caucasus. The conversation emphasizes shifting alliances in light of declining Russian influence and rising Chinese presence, alongside the evolving dynamics between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

Michael Kimmage, director of the Kennan Institute, and Dara Massicot, a senior fellow at Carnegie Endowment, discuss the ongoing war in Ukraine three years post-invasion. They analyze the current battlefield stalemate and military strategies from both sides. The duo delves into Russia's internal politics, highlighting tensions between oligarchs and security services. They also touch on the complexities of diplomacy, with skepticism surrounding peace negotiations and the shifting dynamics of US-Russia relations. Insights reveal how European involvement could shape the future of negotiations.

Michael Kimmage, Director at the Kimm Institute, and Jeffrey Mankoff, Distinguished Research Fellow at the National University Defense, share insights on new strategies for containing Russia. They delve into historical parallels with Cold War containment, emphasizing Europe's role and the rising threats from Russia amid its alliances with China and Iran. The duo discusses the ideological framework of Putin's regime and the critical support needed for Ukraine. Their conversation highlights the interplay between energy independence and geopolitical stability, suggesting a transformed approach to U.S.-Russia relations.

Max and Maria dive into the recent U.S.-Russian negotiations over the ongoing Ukraine conflict, highlighting the absence of Ukrainian and European voices in these talks. They discuss the contradictory signals from both nations and the impact of China's rising influence. The complexities of economic sanctions on Russia are analyzed, as well as how Europe's military role may evolve amidst shifting U.S. support. The episode also touches upon the implications of potential U.S. arms sales to Europe on the region's stance toward the conflict.

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.

Hanna Notte, Director of the Eurasian Nonproliferation Program, talks about Russia's evolving role in the Middle East. She highlights the impact of Russia's embrace of anti-Western forces like Iran and the consequences of its strategic partnership with them. The complexities of Russia's involvement in Syria are discussed, along with the necessity for Gulf states to counterbalance that influence. The intricate dynamics between Russia, Iran, North Korea, and China are examined, providing insight into shifting global security landscapes.