Glenn Diesen - Greater Eurasia Podcast

Ray McGovern, a former CIA analyst with 27 years of experience, dives deep into the geopolitical dilemmas faced by Ukraine's Zelensky. He discusses whether Zelensky should accept a humiliating peace deal or face total defeat. McGovern analyzes the shifting battlefield dynamics, U.S. internal politics, and corruption issues that weaken Zelensky's negotiating position. He debates the implications of NATO membership, European support, and the potential for U.S.-Russia rapprochement amid Trump's unpredictable involvement.

Gilbert Doctorow, a historian and expert on European-Russian relations, explores Trump's ambitious 28-point peace plan aimed at reshaping European security. He argues that the plan sidelines European leaders by exploiting their current financial struggles and corruption fallout in Ukraine. Doctorow predicts significant political changes in Europe as leaders resist the plan to preserve their power. He discusses the potential for a swift ceasefire and the role of American businesses in fostering a new diplomatic landscape, emphasizing the importance of bilateral engagement over collective pressure.

Larry Johnson, a former CIA analyst and State Department counterterrorism official, dissects why the 28-Point Peace Plan will never fly with Russia. He argues that the document, largely U.S.-centric, overlooks essential Russian demands and territorial claims. Johnson warns of prolonged negotiations marked by significant unresolved issues, including troop limits and battlefield leverage. He highlights Europe's limited military capacity and the disconnect between public opinion and policymaking, while noting Russia's shifting focus towards China and the Global South.

Colonel Jacques Baud, a former Swiss military intelligence analyst, delves into Trump's 28-point peace plan regarding the Ukraine conflict. He argues that the U.S. pushed this plan due to fears over Russian military advances. Baud reveals that many points align with Russian demands and highlights the risks Ukraine faces if it delays acceptance. He emphasizes the internal debates within Russia and the political implications for Zelensky. Ultimately, Baud suggests that a sustainable agreement will require uncomfortable compromises from both sides.

Paulo Nogueira Batista Jr., former IMF Executive Director and founding Vice President of the BRICS New Development Bank, shares insights on the shifting dynamics of international finance. He discusses how the IMF has been weaponized for geopolitical purposes, leading to the rise of BRICS institutions. Topics include the cautious approach to de-dollarization, the implications of freezing Russian reserves, and the challenges China faces in assuming a dominant role. Batista ultimately critiques the West's declining influence and highlights the need for new global currency frameworks.

Chas Freeman, an experienced diplomat and former U.S. Assistant Secretary of Defense, unpacks the concept of 'fake peace' across various geopolitical arenas, including Russia and Palestine. He critiques the recent U.S.–Russia negotiations and highlights Ukraine's deteriorating front lines. Freeman also examines the shortcomings of the UN's Gaza plan and warns of Israel's role in regional destabilization. He touches on rising tensions in East Asia and the fragile U.S.-China relations, raising concerns about strategic missteps and future conflicts.

Explore the fascinating science behind political propaganda, where subconscious group instincts often overpower rational thought. Discover how Freud's theories were adapted by Edward Bernays to manipulate public opinion, famously influencing women's smoking habits and U.S. foreign policy. Learn about the modern demand for simplified narratives in complex societies and how framing conflicts as good versus evil shapes perceptions. Delve into the impact of propaganda on the Ukraine crisis and the critical distinction between propaganda and public relations.

In this engaging discussion, Paul Robinson, a public affairs professor at the University of Ottawa and author of 'Russia's World Order', dives into the complexities of Russian civilizationism. He explores how Russia's resistance to Western universalism stems from historical disillusionment and highlights the ongoing ideological battle between conservatism and modernity. Robinson also sheds light on Russia's anti-colonial rhetoric, its aspirations for multipolarity, and the nuances of its identity in global geopolitics, especially in the context of the Ukraine conflict.

Emmanuel Todd, a historical demographer and bestselling author, explores the decline of Western power in a thought-provoking conversation. He discusses how long-term demographic indicators reveal the disintegration of the Anglo-American world. Todd connects the Soviet collapse to a false sense of Western victory and highlights a critical shortage of engineers as a sign of decline. He critiques the exhaustion of the Anglo-American model and examines how changing family structures shape societal values, ultimately predicting a challenging future for the West.

In this captivating discussion, Lord Robert Skidelsky, a British historian and economist known for his work on John Maynard Keynes, explores the unsettling link between globalization, fascism, and impending war. He warns of the parallels with the 1930s and how economic nationalism can slip into fascist rhetoric. Skidelsky also critiques the unsustainable nature of U.S. hegemony and analyzes the complexities of the U.S.-China economic relationship, emphasizing the need for institutional solutions to foster balance without fostering hatred.