Reshaping the World: Middle Powers in Russia-Ukraine Conflict - Ivan Krastev | Intelligence Squared

Observed from afar, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine might appear to be a replay of the Cold War stand-off between Russia and the West. But according to political scientist Ivan Krastev a closer look complicates the picture. In a recent op-ed in the Financial Times Krastev argued that while America’s allies in Europe came together in support of Ukraine, other states, especially Turkey, India and Saudi Arabia have offered a different response.
Turkey’s role in the Russia-Ukraine war is a classic example of middle power activism. President Tayyip Erdoğan has downplayed the country’s identity as a NATO member at the same time as he has positioned his country as a potential mediator between Moscow and Kyiv. India has used the war to capitalise on Western sanctions and import cheap Russian gas. And the Saudis have cosied up to Beijing and Moscow as a reminder to the United States that the US/Saudi security alliance is not unconditional.
Middle powers have different goals and agendas but they all share one fundamental feature: they are determined to sit at the table of global politics and have a say in shaping their own regions. Krastev and Philippa Thomas explored the rising activism of middle powers and how it is reshaping the world.
This session was recorded in January 2023.
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[@brianquinn6014]

Could listen to Ivan all day.

[@dudo3000]

Fascinating. When you are not at the table you are on the table (on the menu)

[@vladelikyvladelik5588]

Дякую за відкриту думку про цю непросту ситуацію

[@wolfbear7]

Every country has the right to decide for itself the positions they take on issues that affect them. No large power should order other countries to obey them. If we respect democratic ideals we must respect every country's right to do what's best for them. We can discuss things but not dictate them. Otherwise we are authoritarian and not democratic.

[@joejohnson6327]

Democratic ideals have nothing to do with anything. All that's ever mattered is might. The more economic & military might you possess, the freer to act in your self-interest you are.

[@3chords490]

Ok , so the Crimean referendum showed very strong widespread support for being part of Russia. So Ukraine should forget about Crimea and let them be? And the Donbas?

[@wolfbear7]

@@3chords490 They shipped the Tatars out of Crimea and put Russians in. What the replacement occupants voted for is BOGUS.

[@3chords490]

@@wolfbear7 The question is how far back into history do you want to go? There are many countries that exist as sovereign states right now who have histories that are dubious. For example , you could even make a case for saying that the USA itself was formed by “ shipping in “ white European settlers and decimating or dominating the native populations. There’s a discussion like that you could have about Israel or even Northern Ireland . Who decides which referendums are “ bogus “ and which are not ? Who decides what “ shipping in “ is allowed and what “ shipping out “ is not allowed? Who decides how far we are allowed to go back into history? I’m sure if you dug deep enough you could find that Ukrainians pushed out some people themselves in 600 AD. It all depends on your biases and perspectives doesn’t it? The fact is that if that Crimean referendum is even only partly an accurate reflection of the will of the people living there right now then if you believe in notions such as democracy and sovereignty and the right to choose then you had better be careful you don’t flirt with hypocrisy. Who are you to dictate to those people living there that their will expressed in a referendum is “ bogus “ just because you say it is?

[@wolfbear7]

@@3chords490 You have a valid point.

[@Namuchat]

Krastev is basically great fun to listen to.

[@robertholland8283]

Good conversation

[@peterdollins3610]

I wouldn't call India a middle power but a major power--just the population then the way it has been coming up over the last ten years.

[@vanessali1365]

Elementary quality.

[@asdasdasdasd61932]

why it cut off halfway

[@defunctuserchannel]

You have no clue.

[@DailyLifeSolution]

Propaganda.

[@JohnTr5]

It is unfair to let G7 country with smaller population to force their values to the world with around 8 billion population. China is not a problem for the world but G7 is! G7 creates problems for themselves because China can "SAY NO!" to G7 especially to the US. China has a pride based on Korean war that the US couldn't defeat China in 1953 which China had no modern weaponry at that time. However now is much different China has a good economy and huge trade, advance technology, modern & advance army so no reasons to follow the jungle rules of the US. Chinese is smart people they know how to caught the monster (the US) and put it safe in the cage... 😅

[@RoninTF2011]

china is the same type of problem....

[@sarahsanford3682]

Sure...whatever CCP bot.

[@joshuapaul2022]

The war is lost by Ukraine to all intents and purposes. Unconditional surrender is the only practical solution for Ukraine. Hitler's Germany also refused to admit defeat until Hitler killed himself, then Keitel signed unconditional surrender. It's common knowledge that Zelenskyy is running out of cannon fodder. WSJ is describing Zelenskyy mobilization in this way: "Mr. Zelensky in January introduced even harsher punishment for desertion and disobedience. A disabled person was drafted in western Ukraine and pronounced fit for service despite having no hands. Another died on the front lines within a month of mobilization after 10 days of training, according to his relatives."

[@RoninTF2011]

annother russo-fascist cheering for imperialism...disgusting

[@Jombozeus]

Using Hitler's Germany is convenient since it was pretty much the last time (along with the Japanese) anybody surrendered Unconditionally in a war that lasted over two weeks. It just doesn't happen anymore in modern warfare.

[@slavzahariev3901]

Still believe in Unicorns vatnik😂😂😂m

[@joshuapaul2022]

@@slavzahariev3901 These are facts and they are making bots like you really mad.

[@slavzahariev3901]

@@joshuapaul2022 Facts in parallel universe😂.Send my regards to unicorns, rashist troll!

[@robertholland8283]

vul·ner·a·bil·i·ty /ˌvəln(ə)rəˈbilədē/  noun the quality or state of being exposed to the possibility of being attacked or harmed, either physically or emotionally.