NATO's Terrible Miscalculations as Ukraine is Being Destroyed | Richard D. Wolff

Richard D. Wolff is Professor of Economics Emeritus, University of Massachusetts, Amherst where he taught economics from 1973 to 2008. He is currently a Visiting Professor in the Graduate Program in International Affairs of the New School University, New York City.
Earlier he taught economics at Yale University (1967-1969) and at the City College of the City University of New York (1969-1973). In 1994, he was a Visiting Professor of Economics at the University of Paris (France), I (Sorbonne). Wolff was also a regular lecturer at the Brecht Forum in New York City. (www.rdwolff.com/about)
Richard's article: www.counterpunch.org/2024/03/...

[@SpeakingTheTruth88]

The United States cannot prevent 1.4 billion Chinese from becoming more prosperous and seeking prosperity.

[@pedlpower]

But the Chinese government can!

[@clarissagafoor5222]

​@pedlpower since it's already happening your reply is senseless !

[@sveng3192]

China are ruled by 800 dynastic families. This is a reality. The Chinese Government is controlled by these 800 dynasties. It does not work like the other superpowers. It is an extremely complicated society and these dynasties will never ever allow what happened with Mao Tsetsung. The 800 families' power is vested in China's growth and success. The normal Westerner just cannot understand the nuance of such a society.

[@ange1098]

China is falling to pieces especially their infrastructure similar to Europe and 🇺🇸. In China life is cheap, again similar to Europe and 🇺🇸. All planned and designed decades ago.

[@vasilispatsalidis5683]

@@pedlpower Anglo nonsense.

[@ishayafilibus1965]

Greed, pride, arrogance and hubris is the problem of the West.

[@arostwocents]

And only caring for the rich, not for citizens. I would argue that is No1 and leads to all other problems

[@zainiabdullah621]

Its not a problem. It is already an engineered culture that it create itself: godless, racists, arrogance, pride, and hubris.

[@jossiesh7649]

and racism

[@moforndong3629]

The problem is the tolerance of Russia.

[@burtgrabmore2972]

@@moforndong3629 What tolerance of Russia? They tried to destroy them. Stupidity might be the main problem of the West, judging by your comment.

[@robertburnett6348]

Some people still think that Putin is a communist. Ignorance is our best asset.

[@jimbrown4456]

Some? I would say in my country Scotland a good 99% believe EVERYTHING our government/media tell them. I am a total crackpot as far as there concerned.

[@genrcflyer]

He ran as an independent, the communists got less than 4% of the vote.

[@hollyw9566]

If ignorance were a growth stock, the U.S. would truly be #1.

[@sunzeneise]

It’s as if the SOVIET UNION never fell in the eyes of politicians and media.

[@sunzeneise]

To be clear, OUR IGNORANCE IS THEIR GREAT ASSET.

[@paulcutajar1354]

uk boris johnson looks a mentalley unfitt .

[@theministryofdecolonizatio6480]

And so grandpa 👴 Joe

[@SashaSantosScott]

Clearly you never saw him on the zip lines waving flags 😂

[@maxiakouchev8175]

The most dangerous clown is the clown with power

[@law1831]

Boris Johnson always looks like he needs a dry cleaner, a shower, and a haircut

[@sveng3192]

He is

[@v3fast286]

Thank you Professor Wolf for sharing your knowledge.

[@Suburbangeek]

He's always good value.

[@mik71]

He puts it so nicely.

[@jamesle4118]

We got the 81 years old politician and a comedian, what we can expect?

[@Aigfred]

When you are too blind to facts you will end up getting cutup with reality.

[@Aigfred]

When you are too blind to facts you will end up getting cutup with reality.

[@Aigfred]

When you are too blind to facts you will end up getting cutup with reality.

[@BLACKWomeninMUSICFestival]

🌹

[@REwing]

Expect? Nothing!!!

[@terencereeves-smyth2994]

Can Russia's economy really be measured by GDP? As Russia is self contained economically being so large, and relies less on external trade, its ecomony cannot be accurately be measured against others by using GDP. That was the mistake made by the US in 2022 - they thought the Russian economy was weak and small - they said just the size of Italy - we know now this was not true

[@AethelwulfOfNordHymbraLand2333]

The Westoids didn't realise that Russia sits on 100 trillion in resources and has a state-owned military-industrial base.

[@alexy.3512]

They are stuck on GDP. In the reality they should be measuring purchasing power. And if you use that, the picture massively changes, not in favor of the West.

[@albertmaziarz6739]

gdp lower then n.y. state population 19 millions -russian gdp grow 3 percent millitary-first taime post ww2.millitary spending exeeded social spending -all infrastructure depends on western technology.

[@garethmartin6522]

GDP is really crude measure. It is not untrue, but it tells only some of the story. But in the media and think tanks and halls of power, GDP is relied on as if it encompasses everything.

[@paulwhetstone0473]

PPP: Purchasing Power Parity is the most rational way to compare international economies.

[@redpillscholar560]

Dr. Wolff, always erudite and concise. Great guest!!!

[@albertmaziarz6739]

selective concise

[@jay90374]

@@albertmaziarz6739 LOL 🤣🤣 well duh! No one has time for a 10 hr discussion!

[@klepzo]

Making China and Russia close allies must be the worst mega blunder ever.

[@Worldturnedupsidedown]

Not if the decline of the dollar the US and Europe is the purpose

[@Kodjo-ow1jy]

Why it’s a mistake that Russia and China being close? I don’t get it

[@tinaforbes1059]

​@@Kodjo-ow1jy They don't want Russia and China to be the next top two countries /world economic power on the planet .

[@mijmijrm]

Self destroying blunders of this kind are inevitable given the Nature of the Rulers of the US Empire.

[@dexlab7794]

​@Kodjo-ow1jy You don't understand why western governments driving China and Russia closer together is a blunder for western hegemonic interests?

[@gerry4281]

Brilliant man. Nima has the best guests who tell the truth. Thankyou.

[@adinahaun6001]

Yes, I agree!!

[@billwilson3665]

Boris is exactly the type to get caught in a honey trap and blackmailed.

[@bohristov8879]

He is the Clown Genius!

[@may-ky6jl]

😅

[@tinaforbes1059]

Caught with pant's down , many times .

[@cowboywoodard2569]

Needs a case of Lead Poison

[@ziegle9876]

Being English, more like a Hershey not honey trap….

[@deewonders6959]

Professor Wolff is brilliant. I have learned so much from him over the years. Thank you for having him on Nima.

[@albertmaziarz6739]

start over go back to 5th grade

[@love_rain247]

​@@albertmaziarz6739😮

[@dabrack9350]

If you mean he so cleverly explains an old and debunked ideology that you have bought the fantasy I suppose he can be held responsible. I will admit he is right that all parties, NATO and Russia, miscalculated almost constantly.

[@rulsrejouis1698]

Greeds and corruptions are the root cause

[@tayclift5322]

All mistakes regular citizens like me could see, from the very outset, that were to go horribly wrong. It was so obvious to most who had an eye on the situation all of us execpt those driven by a hatred for Russia whom was planning and undertaking these schemes.

[@benjaminstarks4071]

This message is profound in it's simplicity. Thank you Nima and Prof. Wolfe.

[@rosarosa6715]

❤ Thanks for having Prof. Wolff on the programme

[@joeae6297]

Wow… Prof Wolf, you have described the world’s malaise perfectly. Thank you for such a great service to the world.

[@rayanfermann3078]

Dialogue works , thx a lot for inviting professor R. Wolff ! Amazing to listen to him 💐🙏 thx Nima! 🙏🙏

[@sandrajones1609]

I align with the Professor's closing statement. Gratitude For Your Participation In Humanity Gentlemen ✌️

[@albertmaziarz6739]

in are bathroom we have toilet plunger vladimir pootin

[@bikerdog5554]

​@albertmaziarz6739 our you sewer?

[@ethicalhackerwhitehat]

Nima is so chill

[@waltershink6878]

He is a cool cat.

[@DavidImpatief]

How can a country 34 Trillion in debt be called "Rich"?

[@theprophet489]

And begging China 😂😂😂

[@timctx]

The government is broke and them some. The country is still incredibly wealthy. The government will come for that wealth.

[@jesan733]

It has the debt to itself, so it doesn't diminish its wealth, really. It's rich because it produces 25 trillion per year.

[@Dreamhelmet]

Past laurels!

[@Theone-bc7tr]

35 Trillion in debt now and rising over a Trillion each year

[@MarkHockridge-qd2fb]

I am English but also a German speaker observing events in Germany!😮

[@chivalrous_chevy1163]

What are they saying in Germany?

[@MarkHockridge-qd2fb]

@@chivalrous_chevy1163 That the regime has the lowest approval rating than any government since the 2nd World War! That the greens are the most extreme party since the NSAPD zum beispiel!

[@MarkHockridge-qd2fb]

@chivalrous_chevy1163 I did answer but it was polaxed by big AL!

[@deesmith6363]

The delusions are thinking this isn't all pre-planned.

[@cattreeoflife980]

& The crazies (u) are thinking that the plan hasn't already backfired when that is exactly what has happened...

[@cattreeoflife980]

Sad how u don't see that it has already backfired big time...

[@tinaforbes1059]

​@@cattreeoflife980 Still in denial, I suppose.

[@dexlab7794]

A plan by who? You can't just say it's planned and think that's enough. Cancer is planned... I'm smarter than you because I didn't give you the context to understand what I mean.

[@garethmartin6522]

Lol. That's just silly.

[@dusancville]

Nima as professor Wolf said you are doing great thing by keeping loud intellectuals that have plenty of facts to share with public. Thanks for your excellent work

[@rankoorovic7904]

NATO has been preparing for this war since 1991 they are not going to give up yet

[@vasilispatsalidis5683]

NATO has been preparing for this war against Russia, since the end of the second world war.

[@macnicolson5452]

It is giving them up however

[@cryptomadness7271]

From here on out, NATO will realize that if they don't cut a deal with Russia, things will only get worse.

[@johnbutler3141]

You mean like Iraq Syria Libya Afghanistan etc. Nato is money laundering front.

[@bugattieb110ss]

No, they haven't! All they've done since 1991 is massively slash defence spending post the Cold War, basing all their future planning on small-scale interventions against poorly equipped opponents!

[@MarkHockridge-qd2fb]

The ponzi economy and the real economy are totally separate!😮

[@albertmaziarz6739]

russian on life support

[@paulwhetstone0473]

@@albertmaziarz6739Your infantile comments are what is on life support.

[@MarkHockridge-qd2fb]

The word (vandal) the name of a civilised tribe entered language as a negative is an example of imperial propaganda!😮

[@just_a_beholder]

Excellent, deep and unbias analysis! Thank you so very much for that!

[@albertmaziarz6739]

deep mountain of manure

[@user-bl4hp8he5s]

You are doing great job 👏

[@albertmaziarz6739]

on toilet

[@sherriinolywa]

I wish Richard Wolf had been one of my college teachers.

[@mariusmarius4832]

Superb discourse. Thank you for the truth. A rare thing these days.

[@runswithbears3517]

Not a miscalculation, folks. Creating instability in Eastern Europe was the US plan from 2008 onwards, and they are SUCCEEDING at it. Open your eyes, please.

[@sveng3192]

I agree, but with a small difference. US did not reallize who Russia is really

[@johnbutler3141]

Succeeding on what planet. They are getting spanked here.

[@cattreeoflife980]

You mean it was I§rael's & the wef's, but it has already backfired big time..

[@tinaforbes1059]

​@@sveng3192 Probably still thinking of Russia/USSR under Goberchov and Yeltsin , and not the new / present Russia 🇷🇺 under president Putin .

[@robertburnett6348]

Some people still think Putin is a communist. ignorance is our best asset.

[@ameliawhiting6943]

Well done again, Prof. Wolff👍👍👍

[@vortexpilot5096]

Richard Wolff is right, Dima, yours is one of the top news shows out there. Thank you for it.

[@sunzeneise]

Professor Wölfe is a pleasure because he speaks declaratively, not subjunctively.

[@Dreamhelmet]

. ... and he's very smart!

[@TheRantingRooster]

Thanks Nima for having Professor Wolff on your program.

[@ShortbusMooner]

Thank you, gentlemen! 🙏🏻💪🙏🏻

[@alexglanz7406]

"Silly" is the only way to describe the Western leaders' actions over the last 10 years -- and here in the US it's been a catastrophic loss of small specialized manufacturing and family farms -- both of which supported the Midwest revenue stream. Could it be that these elected officials have no concept of strategy or modern economic realities? Thank you Nima and Professor Wolff. It is always a pleasure to start the morning feeling a little bit smarter!

[@onedaywewill]

China is investing in Mexico. Large factories being built manufacturing Chinese products. No import duty then when selling to the USA.

[@GenghisX999]

You can be sure US will pass a new law stating that factories in NA must have 75% US or Canadian ownership or face SANCTIONS. They might as well write a law that names the US elite families as the sole rights holder to own profitable assets. Much simpler than writing excluding laws. Not in the club? Too bad!

[@thegoodpimps]

China I think is making a massive miscalculation assuming they can build all over the world without inviting a military invasion and takeover of all these

[@Dreamhelmet]

The Biden Legacy!

[@peterp5889]

Richard is right to say that US loss in Ukraine is a sign of decline of American empire

[@highdynamicphotographyfilm2235]

These are indeed a valuable discussion. Please keep it coming. I look forward to them every morning.

[@kenken9817]

U are so dame right old wolf, good of u informing us the actual situation.

[@mariateresaramossoaresmaga388]

Very very good and a usefull tool to people understand what is going on. Thank Professor Richard Wolf for your work and help.

[@limeslam6567]

Professor: another great display of reality, and your personal wisdom. Thank you, again.

[@barryshaw5660]

Thanks Nima for the inform analysis on current events.

[@feartheturnip]

Cant argue with that Prof Wolff. eloquently put.

[@steveo5295]

Thank you Nima and Richard, hopefully this discussion will reach the ears of the people it was intended for...

[@lisah9394]

Not a 'miscalculation', they want the resources.

[@chiakeesame972]

Thank you, Professor Wolff❤

[@hanshaeusel3368]

Thank you for the channel and the astoundingly insights

[@oumerseid8180]

I love Prof. Richard, the way he talks & his blunt reality telling is a thing to behold

[@julievelocci1246]

I LOVE how he explains things. Very eloquent and easy to understand

[@sinic1978]

EU economies are also decimated.

[@albertmaziarz6739]

on mars

[@mik71]

All according to the plan,

[@wojteks4712]

Hehe yes we suffered, but that was our fault because we based our industry on Russian dependency, that is our fault

[@whoguy4231]

Nazees never learn and never win. Russia remains undefeated.

[@evertonbouwer4038]

This has been a lesson in global economics and contemporary developments.Thank you Professor Wolff.

[@williambailey5405]

I always seek and appreciate a variety of views on US and World affairs. Food for thought.

[@robertkreamer7522]

100 percent correct.

[@ArnoulfDeMetz]

Thanks Nima for bringing on the preacher: Herrn Professor Dr. Wolff 😊👍🏽✨! Vielen Dank lieber Richard, und weiter so ❤️👍🏽🙋🏽✨!

[@brettshafer5319]

Impressive and inciteful ❤

[@argavenharge9704]

Its always a great pleasure to hear professors Wolf😀

[@monicaalvaradogrijalva8533]

As always I learn and understand more our world’s situation thanks to Professor Wolf! Thank you Nima!

[@ChrisHalden007]

Great video. Thanks

[@breiflab2972]

Thank you Dr. Wolff. Straight talker.

[@profe3330]

Fantastic episode! Thank you.

[@johnhotz1400]

Stop the war !

[@tinaforbes1059]

Free Julian Assange and free Palestine 🇵🇸.

[@aliona4817]

If the discrepancies in forecasts and facts are so strong, it means that they don't understand a damn thing what they are doing.

[@BinkyTheElf1]

US State Department & deep state huffing their own farts.

[@peterp5889]

Nima R. Aikhorshid you are the best!

[@mahannaidu5228]

An excellent narration of the facts by an highly intelligent mr Wolf.

[@OnlineSafety-ng7et]

1. Norte Chico Civilization: This ancient civilization, located in present-day Peru, lasted for approximately 827 years. 2. Akkadian Empire: The Akkadian Empire, centred in Mesopotamia, existed for about 187 years. 3. Elam Civilization (Awan Dynasty): Elam, an ancient civilization in southwestern Iran, endured for roughly 157 years. 4. United States of America (2 Sep 1945 to 31st March 2024): The USA civilization, situated in North America, had a relatively short lifespan of 79 years 5. Phrygia: The Phrygian civilization, situated in Anatolia (modern-day Turkey), had a relatively short lifespan of 43 years.

[@carbugnov1952]

There were also the Babylonian empire, the Assyrian empire, the Egyptian dynasties.

[@OnlineSafety-ng7et]

@@carbugnov1952 No Sh*t and many many more but you are missing the point.

[@may-ky6jl]

Jyomon era in Japan

[@lowersaxon]

So what? These are nonsensical analogies. Your „empires“ are absolutely irrelevant.

[@OnlineSafety-ng7et]

@@lowersaxon "lower" Saxon is an apt name!!

[@nerinine]

America also Lost on Syria and Libya.

[@johnhotz1400]

Long time lost!

[@ronalddippenaar2381]

They lost in Afghanistan, Iraq, Cuba, Cambodia, etc.

[@robertburnett6348]

We haven't won a war since WW2. And some questions about that one.

[@mladenspajic8766]

US lost all wars that they had not win to remain in charge. The important wars US won and ended in the position Sheriff of the salon

[@DiarmuidNZ]

Another excellent and pertinent interview Nima, and with yet another exceptional guest in Richard D. Wolff: much appreciation to you both.

[@RogerThunderhandsGilbert]

You need to Have Mister Wolff on more!

[@sunzeneise]

AMERICANS AND AMERICAN INTELLIGENCE COMMUNITY IS LACKING INTELLIGENCE, BECAUSE OF POOR EDUCATION AT ALL LEVELS.

[@checkmilu]

ask Julian Assange about Western democracy!

[@efkarianos]

I always enjoy listening to prpfessor Wolff! Knowledge and wisdom combined.

[@omega2469]

Than you very much both of you ,,,

[@adrianmorris5546]

Profesor Richard Wolff is such a brilliant speaker which has a wonderful understanding of the whole situation alas the West and the United States have delusional thoughts and are never waiting peace and have no diplomacy and totally misunderstanding of Russia

[@bojanperko]

Ahem, with all due respect to prof. Wolff, when exactly did Russia say that it views Ukranian accession to the EU as a threat? All it said was that Ukraine can not have a free trade agreement with Russia and EU at the same time.

[@deselby260]

You're correct. But mostly an excellent analysis.

[@garethmartin6522]

Iyd really NATO that is the issue, and they made it clear repeatedly. In 2008 they said they would not allow an ABM system on their border, which has happened with other accession states.

[@emmettmcintyre9607]

I assumed he mispoke and meant NATO

[@jesan733]

@@garethmartin6522 he was probably a bit too honest there. The problem is EU accession, not NATO accession. Because Ukraine cannot prosper as free and democratic, because then Russians will see and ask why they have a worse system.

[@nowhereman6540]

I agree - I picked that out as well.

[@desertflower2919]

Love your podcasts, Nima, thank you. ❤💪👏

[@fbcat]

Problems was not started because war started - but war was started because problems was started.

[@ronsmyth2005]

We need new leaders. Boy, do we need new leaders.

[@jessicamacfarlane2761]

Thank you Nima and Professor Wolff. I always learn from your programme.

[@hairlessape5107]

Thanks again Nima, I fully agree with what the Professor said at the end particularly.

[@davidbutler9808]

The various Democratic Administrations haven’t been right about “anything” involving FP since WW2. It’s been one disaster after another.

[@probasket8159]

Amazing! Thank you both🤌

[@myrachurchman5013]

Excellent, valuable discussions indeed. Thank you Nima for bringing Professor Wolff onto your program.

[@samburke3950]

Excellent podcast! Thanks so much to professor Wolff...this is an important lesson in our current geo-political reality given with balance and clarity and incredible insight.

[@bernkoh343]

Boris are also terrible and horrible saying the comedian looked like Rambo and fight like Rambo..😂

[@rossanobruno8]

Thx frate

[@chrislawrence3629]

Professor Wolff was in fine form! Great interview!

[@chrislawrence3629]

This sure beats our corporate state media!

[@g-uh7gh]

Thanks, to both of you

[@dmfitzsim]

As always, another insightful interview, discussed with intelligence and objectivity.

[@swanee9414]

Very insightful interview. He's probably correct about the US having to make some profound changes in policy toward China and Russia, but this is akin to trying to turn an aircraft carrier...not easy and it takes a while. The question remains: what could possibly inspire Western leaders to wake up to the fact of Western decline?

[@user-db5te2vz2r]

Very good talk, thank you!

[@adriantodea3005]

Good work, Nima !

[@bojob5187]

Definition of stupidity is being unable to see indirect, long-term consequences of our actions. Mix arrogance and ignorance, add leverage, and what you get is some pretty interesting results... to be seen soon.

[@skywire5595]

Great Interview with professor

[@sailingwithmarguerite9080]

Nima, your programs ARE VERY IMPORTANT !!!! Presenting a person like Mr Wolf to the public so to explain the macro economic situation is EXTREMELY IMPORTANT ❤❤❤❤❤❤ . I am one of your patrons and supporter ❤❤❤

[@TheTruthwillOut442]

Wonderful insight once again making sense of the madness. Thank you both.

[@ivandimitrovivanov7584]

Great talk.. clear, simple and true.