Glenn Diesen - Greater Eurasia Podcast

José Antonio Zorilla, a seasoned Spanish diplomat and author, delves into the missteps of post-Cold War Europe, emphasizing how the West's alienation of Russia sowed the seeds for current conflicts. He critiques NATO's expansion and discusses the troubling influence of small states on EU policies. Zorilla explains the consequences of U.S. hegemony on European autonomy and reflects on the strategic vacuum leading to miscalculations in Ukraine. He illustrates the mutual resentment of China and Russia toward the unipolar order, painting a stark picture of Europe's political landscape.

Nicolai N. Petro, a Political Science professor and former U.S. State Department special assistant, dives into the complexities surrounding the Ukraine conflict and European politics. He discusses the unlikeliness of a Ukrainian victory due to resource limitations and advocates for immediate negotiations to reverse negative trends. Petro highlights potential EU fragmentation, the implications of a Russian victory on European politics, and the need for Europe to consider Eurasian opportunities in light of a declining U.S. role.

Einar Tangen, a Senior Fellow at the Teihe Institute and CIGI, dives into critical issues facing the U.S. economy and geopolitics. He critiques Trump's instinct-driven approach as lacking coherent strategy. Tangen raises concerns about the sustainability of the AI investment boom, citing risks tied to revenue and energy. He also highlights America's dependency on China for rare earths and the long path to rebuilding domestic capacity. The discussion touches on tariffs, China's manufacturing edge, and how countries like India navigate U.S. pressures.

Alex Krainer, a market analyst and author, delves into the geopolitical and economic fallout of NATO's struggles in Ukraine. He highlights the strategic significance of recent territorial losses for Ukraine and how this accelerates a military collapse. Krainer discusses the waning U.S. commitment and its impact on European security. He also examines the financial consequences for Europe against Ukraine's recovery scenario. Finally, he explores shifts in global economic strategies, emphasizing the emerging role of BRICS and the potential bifurcation of development paths.

Matthew Hoh, a former U.S. Marine officer and State Department official, explores the precarious state of the U.S. empire amid rising domestic divisions. He discusses the shift of presidents towards militarism despite anti-war promises, the reliance on proxies to shield political leaders from accountability, and the implications of Trump's evolving foreign policy. Hoh also critiques the elite’s reassessment of former hawks and warns that the unsustainable imperial model could lead to chaotic decline.

Ehud Olmert, former Prime Minister of Israel, shares his perspectives on the ongoing Gaza conflict and the intricate dynamics of Israeli security. He critiques Netanyahu's pre-war policies, highlighting complacency that allowed Hamas to grow stronger. Olmert discusses the urgent need for a post-conflict vision for Gaza and raises concerns about the deepening polarization within Israeli society. He also evaluates the role of the U.S. in the region and suggests the importance of reconsidering foreign relations with countries like Russia and China.

Ian Proud, a former British diplomat with extensive experience in Russia, dives into the troubling rise of forced conscription in Ukraine. He highlights the increasing brutality of recruitment tactics and the impact on morale, with high-profile desertions reflecting a desire for negotiation. Proud discusses Western media's sparse coverage and Ukraine's broken promises on recruitment reforms. He also touches on the political fallout within Zelensky's administration, revealing growing dissent and a struggle for power amidst military setbacks.

Gordon Hahn, a scholar focused on Russia–America relations, explores the ideological fundamentalism shaping Europe today. He critiques European leaders for their detachment from realism, leading to misguided policies and vulnerabilities. Discussion includes France's escalating role in the Ukraine conflict and contradictory EU strategies on sovereignty and energy. Hahn highlights the hypocrisy of promoting democratic values while stifling free speech, and he challenges prevailing narratives on NATO and eastern European security fears.

Ian Proud, a former British diplomat with extensive experience in Moscow, dives into the contentious topic of frozen Russian assets. He discusses the EU's push to use these assets to fund Ukraine and the legal dangers this poses, particularly for Belgium. Proud highlights the reluctance of member states to guarantee repayment risks and the erosion of trust in European financial systems. He warns that Russia's strategic patience could lead to serious repercussions, complicating any prospects for peace. This conversation unpacks the intricate legal and geopolitical ramifications of asset seizure.

Gilbert Doctorow, a historian and international affairs analyst, delves into the poignant impacts of the Ukraine War on Russian society. He discusses the tightening grip of censorship and the strain on social cohesion. With rising media controls, he explains how Russians engage with international narratives. Domestic calls for a stable resolution emerge amid a backdrop of renewed petty corruption and bureaucratic frustrations. Doctorow highlights the economic measures cushioning daily life while analyzing public awareness of casualties and the divisive political landscape shaping Russia's future.