Debunking the Putin Panic with Stephen F. Cohen

There is much to criticize the Russian president for, says Professor Stephen F. Cohen of Princeton and NYU, but many US political and media claims about Putin are false - and reckless
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Watch Part 1 here: therealnews.com/stories/the-r...

[@theyoutuber273]

Such a shame that this guy died. RIP professor Cohen.

[@peaceandlove1436]

Stephen Cohen has got it so right. Great person

[@judithsochor9755]

Peace and Love

[@BudhaOZ]

Completely agree with Stephen F. Cohen. No matter how many people repeat the same line, no matter how often they say it, no matter how powerful or famous these people are - it will never become a fact. We should only trust PROVEN facts.

[@allypoum]

Keep up the good work Aaron you are rapidly becoming one of my journalistic heroes.

[@donnagaffney6467]

Same here!

[@Inloveofteags]

plus 1!

[@johnnyjimj]

It's no wonder he's winning awards. The Real News Network is becoming THE place to go for informative, in depth interviews, along with Activism Munich for European matters. And when you want to get it all with a sarcastic, in-your-face slant, go watch the Jimmy Dore show ;-)

[@metavinci427]

Excellent interview. Thank you for offering a ration perspective from an accredited professor on the subject and asking intelligent questions to demonstrate how real journalism should work.

[@alexisp696]

Isn't it a tragedy - Meta Vinci - that one finds a rational perspective and intelligent questions so uncommon as to merit special praise? I wonder often if the massive access to information and huge social interaction (of a superficial kind) that the internet provides is making people dumber and baser rather than smarter and kinder. This Russia thing is a classic example - after 20 years of unquestionable military aggression against weak and helpless victims by the USA (arguably more than 20 years) we see Russia portrayed with a straight face as some kind of conquering bully. Despite the evidence showing Russia to be a reasonable and relatively well-behaved actor in the world, and the "West" being the complete opposite, we are all expected to believe Russia is some kind of villain, and the West is the victim. It has become so bad that academics like Professor Cohen become pariahs for simply stating plain facts and not actively repeating outrageous lies with no basis in reality. The "thug" epithet is a good example: no evidence exists that Putin either ordered the murder of anyone, let alone journalists, yet the mere repetition of a list of allegations (extremely dubious ones) has been enough. If it were only the laughable accusations of "aggression" regarding Georgia and Ukraine, it would be expected - false, but expected in terms of political convenience for the US-led imperial order. But this ridiculous list of "Putin murders" - using such things as rare flowers, strange chemicals and deadly radioactive umbrellas(!) - really should not pass the laugh test. Yet... they do. How is it that Putin is called "thug", and yet someone like, say, Mohammed Bin Salman - who put his own relatives into detention in order to shake them down for cash, not to mention the brutal assault on Yemen and many other things - is simply called "Crown Prince"? There is literally zero evidence that Putin ever killed even one person.

[@judithsochor9755]

Meta Vinci

[@puddyvalentine]

Very well said...

[@TheMary0831]

Most excellently stated.

[@mohamedhussien5580]

@@TheMary0831 however, inspiteof all these delibetions, majority of the western people's and the intelligent cadres will not grasp the reality on the ground and moreover where will this hypocrisy will take them. Not realizing why they US is killing mass civilian population in Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Somalia, even while they were helping the terrorists. Why the US bombed Serbia, Invaded iEaq on false flag on Weapon of mass destruction (WMD) was the WMD found in Iraq? Like you Why the US approved Saudi Arabia killing and invading the poorest milldle east Arab country Yemen, bombing schools Hospitals, Prisoners, Markets. The American are destroying the whole world thus it is destroying itself. let see and wait which way the Wind blows

[@bubblefroggy1]

Whenever in doubt about US droolings about Russia, wait for Stephen F. Cohen to give you the bigger picture. Many thanks !

[@Inloveofteags]

Always such a pleasure to hear Professor Cohen speak, uninterrupted. Thank you Aaron for doing such a fantastic job of interviewing one of my favourite people.

[@GoodStarfish]

Your rational sanity is refreshing after watching a Joy Reid and Maddow on that recent segment together.

[@GoodStarfish]

Lincoln Lloyd Redley She's terrible, but for cable viewers, she's safe, and young so by following her centrists can pretend to be progressive while also shitting on "radical leftists".

[@musiqal333]

I can't stand either of them. Especially Joy Reid. Omg she is incredibly disingenuous.

[@sino-us-observer]

A brilliant professor. True scholar.

[@cygnusx-3217]

Thank you Aaron for standing firm during the onslaught. Your work is much appreciated.

[@allypoum]

Hear hear

[@jpalmer1287]

Thank you Aaron and TheRealNews for a rational interview. I cannot believe what is happening in this country with the corporate media and the Swamp in DC.

[@wolfgangsmythe1747]

I missed out on the memo this morning, sorry I haven't been repeating 'rational' enough. Mea culpa!

[@thescandinavian303]

How much does this guy get paid from maffia boss Putin.

[@mindimccluskey7422]

One of the few objective, informed, & sane public voices in the US today! ... And, a great historian.

[@wleao13]

share this rational and factual video in every place possible guys

[@judithsochor9755]

wleao13

[@sinikoncar7838]

As always, thank you Aaron and Mr. Cohen for a little sanity in this bizarre times.

[@Ljotulfson]

Brilliant! Sound common sense from Professor Stephen F. Cohen, and an antidote from all the depressing Russophobia in the Western media.

[@TheRussianAngle]

R.I.P. Professor Stephen F. Cohen. The death of Mr Cohen is a great loss to the cause of integrity of thought & speech in the USA. He dared to speak the truth about Russia & question prevailing attitudes to her that he knew were highly dangerous & against America's national interests. I am so sad to hear of his death. Despite being attacked continually for his insightful & deeply knowledgeable views on Russia by those who had only one millionth of his acumen he continued to speak & affirm his deeply-felt conclusions. He will be sadly missed. R.I.P. Professor Cohen. You truly made a difference.

[@pattonisgod26]

Ahhh The Real News is like a life boat, in a sea of insanity. Thank you all, so much! And, thank you Aaron and Stephen for this fantastic interview! ♥️♥️

[@lawrencetaylor4101]

The only problem with this interview was that I had been watching MSNBC all day before I saw it, and so I had to take a shower to wash off all of the stupid and stink. Only after could I face two intelligent people talking about relevant issues. Thanks!

[@Vlajko1312]

People like prof. Cohen really give me hope.

[@Vlajko1312]

@@Barklord TBH i have mixed feeling about it. On one hand as someone who really like the ukrainian people i am truly sorry because of inevitable casaulties. On the other hand i hope that this is unique chance for the majority of the ukrainian people to get rid of the toxic and aggressive west ukrainian greek-catholic minority that has usurped the power and is forcing it's deranged ideology on the rest of the population. (Believe me i have witnessed it first hand and it is not "russian propaganda"). I hope once the horrendous ordeal is over, Ukrainian society can be built on healthier grounds. I believe that UKR should remain independent from Russia, but i sincerely hope that they would chop off western part of the country. I believe that in that case Russians would leave them alone, if not help them to rebuild. As my friends who live in UKR are telling me RAF are really cautious to limit casaulties, even when it is costing them in lives, so i still hope this could end soon and with as less dead as possible.

[@chuletaization]

A breath of fresh air to hear Professor Cohen speak on Russia and Putin. His response to John Meacham's unhinged warning about a Russian invasion of the Baltics was priceless: "Why would Putin invade the Baltics? So he can pay their pensions?"

[@courtneyharlowe6967]

Great interview...I love Prof. Cohen he speaks the truth ....thanks

[@kabatake]

Such a significant loss to see this great professor leave his mark on us so early!

[@douglassherman4466]

Amazing insights, way before the madness that we are now in. We could surely use more like him in the Ukraine War discourse today.

[@DigitalaVarlden]

THANK you guys for speaking the TRUTH. THANK YOU!!

[@ScienceTalkwithJimMassa]

Too bad you did not get to Ukraine, otherwise, very good interview. Then again, Prof. Cohen has excellent insight, provides excellent analyses. I always listen carefully to what he says.

[@ScienceTalkwithJimMassa]

when? at 6:55 Aaron says he wants to talk about Ukraine, but for the rest of this segment, it did not come up. I am guessing they simply ran out of time.

[@ScienceTalkwithJimMassa]

Ok, he touched upon it, just that Aaron implied a further discussion later on in this interview. I am very aware of Prof Cohen's detailed views over many years, including Ukraine, and yes, you are correct, he has remained consistent in his views and usually is very correct. His understanding of Russia, Ukraine is unsurpassed. I consider him to be the go to source to truly understanding any issues involving that region. Cheers)

[@ScienceTalkwithJimMassa]

Totally agree with you 1000% He is the best, most realistic expert. It is no accident he is ignored by policy makers. If he was paid attention to, there would not be this belligerence towards Russia and the whole mess in Ukraine caused by the US would most likely never have occurred in the first place.

[@Bassa1952]

Excellent, logical explanations that seem the nearest thing to truth for a long time.

[@rajatshrma3]

This man was a legend.

[@ewalker1057]

Stephen Cohen is missed. He is much needed given the conflict in Ukraine. The only time, I've seen Aaron over his head. As I see him now, I think Aaron learned from this interview and Mr. Cohen.

[@animalfarm7467]

An excellent interview; I was learning so much and then it ended with far more questions than answers. Maybe next time could you book Professor Cohen for a little more time, please?

[@sergebaron9086]

That's a Man to be respected ,that's all he ever WANTED I don't see anything wrong with that.

[@isaacgutierrez5152]

What a wonderful interview!

[@TheXxinsanexX]

Great info, mainstream media should take notes from these guys

[@cassandra190]

Please post a link to Part 1. I am unable to find it. Thank you.

[@xteric1]

Great interview. Profesor knows his stuff

[@babycakes2077]

Cohen ur smart and have killer voice!

[@davidpointer5980]

Keep on smoking. I've got a carton in mail.

[@EGHG5263]

Wow! Nice interview. Thank you Aaron for not interrupting Prof Cohen like msm journalist often do.

[@jmtluimem6427]

once you reach the top of the building : ... fresh air

[@brombo00]

Thanks Professor Cohen for telling the truth again. Sadly, it is a rare commodity these days.

[@widam]

Very interesting point of view

[@colibri1]

Mr. Cohen's voice is badly needed these days.

[@tlawrence2307]

Wow. Thank you for this.

[@sherristewart1743]

Wow! Thank you for this interview! Informative and refreshing! I'm going to looking into Prof Cohen's books.

[@TheMcbird]

Man that was hard to get through! The huffing and puffing went on forever! You're a patient man, Aaron.

[@rollandmiller1]

Well said S Cohen.

[@klubsvetnikov8290]

Excellent interview, intelligent comments - nice place to visit :-)

[@alexisp696]

Bravo to Aaron Mate - one of the rare pearls of US journalism these days (tragically) who is prepared to actually ask questions which he wants to hear the answers to, not scripted questions that either receive scripted answers or cut off the interview. These questions might sound a bit rude, but I believe they get to the real heart of the subject: what is the reason for the unreasoning hostility towards Vladimir Putin? I believe there are many answers, but the most important are these: 1) he is not Yeltsin, ie he is not a drunken, incompetent buffoon who allows the USA to look great at Russia's expense, and 2) he keeps Russia strictly in conformance with international laws and agreements (in terms of actual evidence and jurisprudence) in an era of total lawlessness on the part of the Western nations, making the USA look terrible to Russia's benefit. There are more, including his bringing Russia back into the sphere of world powers regarding Syria, Iran, and more, but I believe these two factors explain most of the problem. Many people don't understand just how much the information they receive is deliberately crafted to manipulate - and with so many murderous, criminal blunders committed by the USA in its "unipolar moment" , this manipulation has become more and more blatant and crude. I feel sympathy for Professor Cohen - someone who knows very well what he is talking about, and yet is practically invisible to the majority of the US viewing public. When you consider that the rotten Maddow is watched by millions, and that this interview is 15,000 as of now - we are talking about ongoing ignorance and deception on a massive scale, further ruining prospects for understanding and peace for years to come.

[@wally1452]

I respect and admire this great professor and writer very much. I have read a fair amount of Russian history in college (& self education, and read a few others but esp. Stephen Cohen's books.) I wish Trump would get with this man alone for a long lunch...maybe bring in Dan Kovalik...men as this who know the facts and are not afraid to tell the truth. I wish Mr. Cohen could have been taken along to Helsinki, he can only help & Trump has to get better people around him. With CIA/Corporate running govt and media for many decades...it is rough but if we can break down the lies about Putin and Russia...I wish Russia well. I wonder if our ambassador Huntsman is in the Deep State (over there representing us?) I know little of him but cannot trust anyone...maybe Rand Paul.

[@boxing_cat]

Stephen F. Cohen is awesome. Very smart man and he belongs to true American intelligentsia you rarely find nowadays.

[@andypotanin]

I feel like I need this guy to re-explain all of the current events to me.

[@andrewturchan6065]

Glad that I found this !!!! Great …...

[@letitburn449]

I actually did prefer Stalin (aka Daddy Steel), but I respect Dr. Cohen.

[@zauberschatzkiste]

lol .. aka uncle joe

[@aligzanduh]

Great Talk Aaron Mate and Dr Stephen Cohen!

[@andredel.8302]

Thanks fo the truth! Very interesting! Good job.

[@hackingthematrix1141]

Amazing interview!!

[@obobooks4815]

When he criticizes the press, he leaves out FOX. WHY?

[@TimBradleyFromOz]

Excellent Interview. I just wish: a) there was more time; and b) Cohen would have gone back and answered the questions a little more directly after giving necessary background - which seemed to distract him.

[@noneyobusiness7331]

YES

[@darrelslugoski672]

Fair interview on both sides . First time in a long time I have seen no bias by the reporter .

[@alicelowell7549]

This is sooooo good! Every single word is true!

[@perovskaya]

God Bless you Stephen Cohen a good decent world citizen

[@darrensnyder4162]

really top notch stuff, no fluff just the facts. keep it up

[@midwestmeiliguo]

I love Professor Cohen! ❤️

[@liguobu229]

Listen to Cohen, a well-informed, clear-minded and respected scholar of Russian studies in a top US university.

[@darkofius]

True intellectual, professor Stephen F. Cohen, my respects...

[@PeteFalco]

. . . which is why I don't subscribe to Democracy Now any more.

[@shubhams6949]

Prof Cohen gave a fresh perspective here.

[@ms.r3469]

I'm shocked. how is it possible to twist everything

[@thefullmonte1902]

Powerful words

[@yusufmohamed9698]

Where is part one please

[@ryhisner]

Where is part one of the interview? Is there a link somewhere? I can't find any.

[@beyondschool]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/eKvaqXuvebCph9U

[@TCt83067695]

Where's part one?

[@Zakdayak]

Can you PLEASE PLEASE LABEL the videos? Because you call this part 2...but I can't find part one!!!

[@wilgreene8927]

Hey Aaron, I thought you handled the wise, but eternally constipated, Professor Cohen, with class and cool. Thanks for having him on to bring some sanity to the whole Russia-as-Satan fantasy.

[@dickhamilton3517]

this man should be required listening for your media.

[@staatsfeindlich9939]

I am very pleased that TRNN explains how they differ from Democracy Now! on "Russiagate" [how I loathe that term]

[@dougen9237]

I believe they changed their name to "Democracy Now And Then."

[@Nine-Signs]

Where is part 1?

[@beyondschool]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/eKvaqXuvebCph9U

[@Nine-Signs]

Thank you friend. The real news do this all the damned time, nothing is ever uploaded in order, just thrown all over the place. Doesn't help their message.

[@xyzsame4081]

they embed the videos on their site - there you have ALSO a transcript (most of the time) and all the links (and an extra comment section)

[@jattat1109]

America lives in an alternate reality.

[@liberty-matrix]

'American policy toward Russia ever since 1991, (&) all the leaders of the main Western powers promised the Soviet Union that under Gorbachev. That if Gorbachev would allow reunited Germany to be in NATO. NATO would 'not' in the famous expression 'move two inches to the east'. Now NATO is sitting on Russia's borders from the Baltic to Ukraine." ~ Professor Stephen F. Cohen

[@barbarajohnson1442]

Wow, Cohen is right, we must seek facts, as hard as they are to come by

[@plattsadam]

Quality journalism Hare Krishna

[@johnpagoto1054]

Great interview and reporting. Nice to hear from someone other than former intelligence #TDS agents

[@toffanful]

I am surprised Aaron is swallowing rumours by the MSM as fact. I expected better from TRNews.

[@Pietari55]

Actually I really am amazed that Aron listened, I think.

[@mariadamen7886]

Thank you Aron for this interview. Maybe Paul Jay can learn something from it and stop Putin bashing.

[@klubsvetnikov8290]

I think Paul Jay has ubiased view on practically every issue, including Putin. Good, first hand analysis with Aleksandr Buzgalin, who gives a very realistiv and surprising view on Putin. Watch Reality asserts itself.

[@mariadamen7886]

Klub Svetnikov In the interview I mentioned he clearly shows his bias against Putin. Calling him a thug and a gangster. So....

[@klubsvetnikov8290]

You may be right Maria. Maybe also benevolent observers sometimes attribute everything in Russia automatically to Putin. Cohen shed some light on it.

[@shaw3aazlam852]

We should wonder why these people never want to discuss the suppression of the press right here in the blessed USA, instead of choosing to trade in rumors, at best.

[@grahammidwinter9895]

A rule of thumb, whenever Western countries critisizes Russia, believe the opposite.

[@SarahKomarova]

Brilliant, the two best at their best!

[@Meeshusa]

Must listen!!! 12:20

[@raeliera]

that sounded like the voice of common sense

[@and44bor]

Stephen F. Cohen said confirmed but hidden for western people issues about recent events in Serbia, Georgia, Ukraine. That invokes respect to him and interest to listen his comments about other world events.

[@18_rabbit]

stephen cohen: half baked.

[@authorofmyownthoughts4827]

"Taken for a given fact." ? What is that not consensus you want to envoke as evidence? Consensus is not proof.

[@itsoktolovechina]

Wish steven cohen was part of the new administration. They need help, and future administrations

[@abcd-gn3nf]

im hooked to this interviews, they're the only things that speak sense compared to this drivel on mainstream

[@firevoodoo1]

He is so informed and smart! I almost can't believe he is an American. Interviewer on the other hand though… …my main complain (among others) is you promised to go back on Crimea topic but didn’t do it. Anyways - I wish I watch such interviews on your alphabet channels. Cheers from Russia!

[@pagriko8055]

May God bless his soul! He was the last honest American scientist !

[@skiddoo-fr9ex]

I'm a big fan of both Mr. Mate and Prof. Cohen, but when I tried to do the search suggested on the Committee to Protect Journalists site to look at the overall number of journalists killed, and it looks to me as if far more have been killed under Putin (who held office about twice as long as Yeltsin, of course). And this is not something small enough to be explained by Professor Cohen's disclaimer that he hasn't checked lately. Now, it's likely enough I'm doing something wrong, but if anyone can set the record straight here I would appreciate it very much.

[@randallnelson6695]

How did the USA fit in with the Russian reboot in the 1990s and their oligarchs?

[@callmecg101]

Very good interview. I am very interested in the truth about Putin ,good or bad. I want to know who this man is and his intentions on the world stage.

[@docherb7]

Stephen Cohen is charming and shockingly wise🌹