Glenn Diesen - Greater Eurasia Podcast

In this engaging debate, Glenn Diesen, a political scientist specializing in Russian foreign policy, teams up with Vygaudas Ušackas, a former EU ambassador, and Oleksii Goncharenko, a Ukrainian MP. They delve into Russia's threats towards Europe and the complexities of NATO's involved responses. Key topics include Putin's ambitions to fracture the West, the resilience of Ukraine amidst perceived defeats, and the balance of power with US policy shifts. The trio offers compelling insights on Europe's role in supporting Ukraine while navigating a multipolar world.

Chas Freeman, a former U.S. diplomat and Assistant Secretary of Defense, shares insights from his extensive career, emphasizing the shifting dynamics of US-China relations. He critiques the decline of U.S. diplomacy and the expertise gap in formulating China policy. Freeman explores the applicability of the Thucydides Trap and discusses historical Chinese restraint versus imperial ambitions. He raises concerns about Europe's inconsistent strategies and the West's waning global leadership. The conversation highlights the importance of rebuilding diplomacy in a multipolar world.

Gilbert Doctorow, a historian and international affairs analyst, shares his insights on the sidelining of Ukraine and Europe in US-Russia negotiations. He discusses the significance of Umerov's leadership in Ukraine and Jared Kushner's meeting with Putin, emphasizing US influence in the peace talks. Doctorow warns of the potential for US-backed regime changes in Ukraine and critiques Europe's exclusion from the process. He argues this dynamic could have severe repercussions, including escalated conflict with Russia and implications for European security.

Lawrence Wilkerson, a retired U.S. Army Colonel and former chief of staff to the Secretary of State, dives into the waning legitimacy of the U.S. empire. He critiques the unpredictability of current foreign policy and the implications of Trump's monetary motivations on international strategy. Wilkerson warns against military posturing in Venezuela and discusses how U.S. actions have inadvertently given Russia a foothold in Latin America. He also reflects on missed opportunities for integrating Russia into Europe and the impact of misguided NATO expansions.

Prof. Jeffrey Sachs, a renowned economist and public policy expert, dives into the complexities of European security and the ongoing Ukraine conflict. He critiques Europe's adherence to a flawed security model driven by hegemony and bloc politics. Sachs discusses the motivations behind European support for the war, from military-industrial interests to nationalist sentiments. He emphasizes the need for direct diplomacy with Russia and the importance of addressing historical agreements to promote peace and stability in the region.

Scott Ritter, a former US Marine intelligence officer and UN weapons inspector, discusses the current geopolitical landscape, asserting that Russia has gained the upper hand over NATO and Ukraine. He analyzes Ukraine's impending collapse and the corruption within its government, influenced by U.S. control. Ritter emphasizes that a superficial peace won't suffice for Russia, which seeks comprehensive solutions. He also explores the resilience of Russia’s economy against sanctions and advocates for renewed dialogue in Europe to address security concerns and create a sustainable framework for cooperation.

Einar Tangen, a Senior Fellow at Teihe Institute and CIGI, dives into the complex dynamics of U.S.-Japan-China relations. He argues that the U.S. is exacerbating tensions between Japan and China, influenced by past economic conflicts. Tangen highlights the dangers of accidental war due to miscalculation and discusses the generational differences in attitudes towards conflict. He also critiques U.S. economic vulnerabilities and proposes a multipolar approach involving Europe and BRICS to mitigate coercive policies.

Daniel A. Bell, Professor at the University of Hong Kong, delves into China's unique political meritocracy, emphasizing leadership selection based on ability and virtue. He contrasts local democratic practices with meritocratic approaches for high-level decisions and discusses the historical roots of meritocracy in imperial China. Bell addresses the implications of China's economic statecraft, the Belt and Road Initiative, and how China's growth is informed by cultural values and educational emphasis, while debunking Western misconceptions about its political model.

Alex Krainer, a market analyst and former hedge fund manager, explores the shifting dynamics of the global economy, focusing on the decline of Eurocentric dominance and the geopolitical ramifications. He discusses how pandemic policies have driven attempts at global control, the failure of Western strategies against Russia, and the rise of new Eurasian security architectures. Krainer also emphasizes the growth of national productive economies and warns of potential economic crises in Europe, while advocating for reforms and a peace plan that could reshape the region.

In this discussion, Michael Jabara Carley, a retired historian and expert on Stalin, delves into the complexities of Western narratives surrounding WWII. He argues that historical revisionism distorts our understanding of Soviet contributions to the war, particularly the pivotal role of the Red Army at Stalingrad. Carley critiques how the West politicizes Soviet history and emphasizes the significance of the 1939 Nazi–Soviet Pact. He also examines the implications of Poland's foreign policy in the 1930s, presenting a nuanced view of pivotal historical events.