John Mearsheimer on Ukraine, Gaza & escalation dominance | SpectatorTV

John Mearsheimer joins Freddy Gray for the Spectator's Americano podcast. On the show they explore the powder keg situation in Eastern Europe, why Putin is possibly the least hawkish of possible Russian leaders and why Israel has lost escalation dominance.
00:01:30 How could Putin respond to Ukraine strikes inside Russia?
00:05:40 Conflict escalation explained
00:13:54 What could happen if Netanyahu is ousted?
00:18:00 The West's position on the colour revolutions
00:28:00 The nuclear threat
00:32:14 Israel's return to Gaza has put it in 'deep trouble'
00:37:00 Israel v Iran
00:44:00 The rise of China and Russia
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[@SpectatorTV]

Is Mearsheimer correct to predict that Russia is going to win in Ukraine?

[@adm58]

Russia has already won. It's obvious. We need to negotiate peace, not escalate.

[@Wybowazza]

Of course.

[@99xstallerthanmost]

I am guessing that he would also predict that Sunak will not be PM on 5th July?

[@dann5480]

He is always right regarding analysis of strategic developments and international relations. He is the world's leading scholar in those fields.

[@tom-u8k6y]

They effectively won it after the Ukraine's summer offensive failure. They've also destroyed NATO.

[@jessiejb4684]

One of my very few disagreements with mearshiemer is that the u.s. doesn’t overthrow gov’s to make the liberal democracies. We overthrow democratically elected gov’s and install incredibly corupt leaders. We do so most often to gain influence, cut out influence of another, and/or to gain geographic presence/control in a region. We are currently trying to destabilize Georgia and it’s ugly. The president of Georgia is literally a ‘foreign agent’ from France so this time our problem is with the majority party in parliament. We have Georgian youth in the streets protesting against transparency. WTF? The NED had some harsh words for Georgia and spoke about harming their possible future nato membership… here we go again…

[@tom-u8k6y]

Was going to say , look what USA is doing in Georgia right now

[@khunmikeon858]

100% agree with your sentiments. I’m Irish and abhor what the nefarious Washington regime has been openly doing for decades with its assignations, coups, invasions, sanctions, etc. Millions killed by the USA. Despicable. I stand with Russia and I stand with Palestine against American imperialism.

[@tmaxyb]

You took the words out of my mouth.

[@rebelmango2141]

No you have Georgian youth protesting against laws similar to Russia used to crackdown on criticism. Any evidence about that president claim

[@rebelmango2141]

​@@tom-u8k6yThey're doing nothing that's the Georgian people don't take away their agency

[@harrybartok]

I have read two of Mearsheimer's books on geopolitics. As a Brit with US citizenship, he does a great job of explaining American foreign policy. It is not what we are told in Britain. Most British commentators either have no idea what is going on in the world or they are just peddling CIA propaganda. Times Radio is a perfect example most of their guests are clueless. Living in the US it was obvious that Ukraine could not win, but the US aim was to weaken Russia, and not get drawn into a nuclear war. Senators Romney and Blumenthal admitted it. If France wants to get into a nuclear war with Russia, that is Its choice. My concern is that the British public has been fed so much BS it may opt for oblivion out of ignorance.

[@richardcarr3172]

Times Radio is a f*cking joke

[@aaronsmyth7943]

Have you actually thought about Putin and his generals deciding to end themselves and their families over Ukraine? Have you any idea how ridiculous that is?

[@turbolevo8703]

Times Radio is shocking. Some of their headlines are preposterous.

[@proselytizingorthodoxpente8304]

Judging by his naivety and ignorance over the war in Ukraine, and his stubborn refusal to change his narrative long after the facts prove him wrong, I don't imagine Mearsheimer's kooky analysis of geopolitics are worth a whole lot - There is a reason why he's so popular with Russian nationalists, after all.

[@turbolevo8703]

@@proselytizingorthodoxpente8304 Yet more assertions without evidence. Is this the best you can do?

[@savinanencheva]

It’s not about politics, it’s about dominance and hegemony.

[@rerite2]

"The history of the world is simply one tribe conquering another." -- Napoleon

[@Anke-B747]

👏👏👏👍

[@netizencapet]

The essence of politics concerns dominance and hegemony.

[@craig3949]

@@savinanencheva I also read Noam Chomsky 20 years ago. You want USA to dominate China and Russia. Simple. China and Russia both pick out the “West” not just USA as enemies. So it’s time to put your gloves on. Stop hiding behind books

[@chrisgreene2623]

And the paper tiger empire in decline is losing its dominance and its hegemony

[@flamboyentpromotions3471]

Funniest part is when the interviewer pretends that he doesn't understand the Guardian story😂

[@retrocool]

Probably doesn't want to get a visit himself...

[@ahsanjahangir8834]

Exactly. How come a journalist doesn’t understand a news story 😅

[@Abuccci]

@@flamboyentpromotions3471 what’s the guardian story?

[@hoareg2]

Here’s what the article in The Guardian says “They allegedly threatened her and her family, saying: “You should help us and let us take care of you. You don’t want to be getting into things that could compromise your security or that of your family.”” Freddie, you can argue that the article was wrong or not factual but saying that the threat by Israel was vague and you didn’t get it is simply dishonest.

[@bitsandbobs4082]

He has to act all innocent or he be in for a good talking to

[@manofculture584]

Those phrases are still vague

[@What-kw6ox]

@@manofculture584lol

[@fuckbankers]

Mafia talk.

[@fuckbankers]

Gangsters

[@milanpavlica5478]

How would sanctions work if half of the world including China and India are not part of them?

[@brianmaclean2078]

I believe John is correct on most points, however, I believe he is wrong in his assertion that the United States wants other countries to be just like it is, that is a liberal democracy. The historical record shows that the United States does not want equals in the countries that they interfere with, and the countries that they overthrow, but rather they want vessel states that they can economically and politically exploit. This should be clear historically, in that the United States has overthrown many democratically elected governments and have supported the most heinous dictators on the planet. Follow the money!

[@garrettyamada9821]

No disrespect or offence intended, but I think that you meant vassal, and not vessel.

[@tonysherwood9619]

US foreign policy - make britain a weak, chaotic and dependant target.

[@marthas.4456]

100%

[@tonysherwood9619]

@@marthas.4456 trying to prop up your american pride?

[@marthas.4456]

@@tonysherwood9619 I'm not American, I'm from a small Eastern European country... But facts are facts, regardless who says it. If my country would have done these things, I would call them out on it too.

[@antonleimbach648]

We shipped our factories, steel mills, and shipyards to China and now we can’t build the ships, planes, or tanks we need fast enough. We traded the most dynamic industrial base on the planet for cheap Walmart products and service industry jobs. China has totally outplayed us.

[@carolann3249]

Exactly my thinking

[@hasan_z]

It's because the politicians only considered the short term advantages over the long term. It was the downfall of many empires to not look far enough ahead.

[@nikitos12309]

Because the only smell West enjoyes is the smell of money easy money

[@view1st]

@@hasan_z it wasn't the politicians that sold you out of was the CEO's and their shareholders: they are the ones who relocated their businesses elsewhere.

[@tmengucor]

Turbo capitalism of the last 2 decades has been a disgrace for the west

[@keirozj]

Whoever is behind this have sent men to the battlefield with huge casualties including death and they are basically from the lower social classes. Professor Mearsheimer gave an extraordinary lecture on this conflict, including NATO and national security, existential issues to Russia.

[@Io-Io-Io]

Fico is alive not dead

[@tonysherwood9619]

Did you see boris's nazi thugs at our parliament - check out their flag!

[@tonysherwood9619]

Another neocon cock-up!

[@mladendjukic1061]

True, but he was assassinated and survived. How do you call it when someone survives? Attempted assassination?

[@Io-Io-Io]

@@mladendjukic1061 'attempted' of course

[@Io-Io-Io]

@@mladendjukic1061 assassination = murder.

[@johnrichmond8978]

The interviewer reminded me why I had to stop buying The Spectator magazine. Young Americans might not know, but it used to be an intelligent right wing magazine. Incredible, I know.

[@myla6135]

Yes, I gave up on it too...... many years ago. And found it very easy to resist the offers of gifts and discounts galore to resubscribe. Terrible rag.

[@johnrichmond8978]

@@myla6135 All off a sudden it dis-guarded it's political values. What a bore.

[@myla6135]

@@JohnPretty1 One sensible booking versus numerous unintelligent articles for some years. And you think John Richmond and I might not have a valid point? That's what bizarre John P. I only clicked on this because it was Meisheimer. Not because it was the Speccie.

[@johnrichmond8978]

@@JohnPretty1 Nonsensical. Mershimer is in great demand all over the world. Now I have to stop buying your magazine :)

[@MichaelM-q2q]

People worked with their hands, they rendered meat, grew a big garden, had to work with horses to haul logs out of the woods to the flue. No power tools more than levers and winches. Yeah, they were tough, and smart without computers and phones. They were happy to see other good folks around. They took care of each other. Now we have a government that hate us. They spend to much time drinking and traveling to other countries who are dictatorships and recognizing genocidal maniac nazis , to act like their friends. They've been in office way to long. We don't need to be more like the bad part of Marx or Stalin. We have to change this whole Biden Administration before they join the rich and powerful to distroy the free world.

[@loretoecheverria926]

Mearsheimer is lucid & realistic. It´s a pity that people like him are not in power. God save this planet

[@Igor-on8nm]

He well paid by ruzzians

[@908Dannyboy]

It's ironic you say that because he is assuming Putin and his regime is a rational party in this.

[@SvetlanaRakhim]

@@Igor-on8nmand Chinese. He even said he is more liked in China than in the USA

[@SvetlanaRakhim]

@@El_Camino_Que_Recorres_Solono

[@JulietteTux]

The planet is fine(C)

[@voldemarvaglaots6690]

Ukraine got it's independence from USSR. Neutrality and non joining any blocks was essential condition. Neutrality was removed from construction later. Another thing is "Ukrainian nuclear weapons". All the nuclear weapons STATIONED in Ukraine belonged to USSR. Ukrainians had no way to control it's "arsenal". Say USA is keeping it's nuclear weapons in Germany or Turkey, is it then belonged to Germans or Turks? No! Ukraine never had own nukes!

[@Treasure_hunter_21]

exactly!

[@stavroskarageorgis4804]

Hear, hear!

[@ianstevenson3628]

Ukraine has a right to join any bloc its govt wants. There was no possibility of joining NATO while there was a regional conflict. Joining the EU was very popular. For 30 years they have been able to travel and work in the West. The majority prefer it to the mystic Russian nationalism which denies the reality of Ukraine and the repressive regime they see. They saw democracy crushed in Belarus with Putin's full approval. There is no way any people would keep fighting against the odds if they were in favour or indifferent to being part of Russia.

[@robrob9050]

But USSR was gone in 1991.

[@Azrudi]

@@ianstevenson3628 Not all Ukrainians. Most of us who fled Ukraine came to Russia. Russia accepted the most number of Ukrainian refugees of all global countries. You may look this up to verify it.

[@robertjames7982]

Criminals rule this criminal nation.

[@2011hwalker]

Literally in Trumps case. The man lies before he gets out of bed in the morning.

[@ahimsainthekitchen]

Peace is not lucrative for the war mongers.

[@GreenGoblinDK]

Yes Im so tired of the Russian criminal. Putin should be in jail!

[@rmdomainer9042]

Russia. Indeed.

[@ahartify]

You mean in Russia? Quite true.

[@Matteopolska]

Thank you Mr John for a courage in speaking up your mind

[@SirKeefyKeef]

Explain EXACTLY how the vote in Georgia is ‘’Pro Russia’’. I wait with intrigue.

[@krisztinavarga4223]

anything goes as pro-Russia that is not according to the taste of main-stream Western leaders and their media outlets.

[@jrgensvendsen1748]

If Macron's point is to balance both parties, including the recent use of EU/US weapons for targets inside Russia, then consider the following: Ukraine has already hit railway lines within Russia that transport weapons to the front, set fire to weapons factories inside Russia, and targeted oil/gas depots supplying the war efforts. Similarly, in Europe and the US, there are production factories and corresponding rail and air deliveries to Ukraine. If we follow Macron's point about balance, it would imply that Russia can similarly target European supply lines and weapons production factories that supply Ukraine inside EU/US, right? That's WW3 right?

[@vgames6792]

Go to Alex Christoforou, he would explain to you macros "STRATEGIC AMBIGUITY"😅

[@proselytizingorthodoxpente8304]

Ukraine is not at war with North Korea. Or Belarus. Or Iran. And yet those states provide weapons to Russia. Ultimately, Putin is big on threats, but his ability and willingness to carry them out doesn't match his rhetoric.

[@vgames6792]

​@@proselytizingorthodoxpente8304Ukros are getting weapons from 40+ nations/client states. WHAT IS YOUR POINT? Is russia at war with nato?(that was a rhetorical question dont bother answer🤡)

[@sotirmilivojevic6233]

@@proselytizingorthodoxpente8304 Well, you're right, Putin is soft.. but attacking Moscow or St Petersburg with ATACMS and similar will force him to escalate..

[@proselytizingorthodoxpente8304]

@@sotirmilivojevic6233 He's already doing his worst in Ukraine right now. And he values his own neck (as do those who support him) enough not to provoke NATO into direct military action.

[@kamalanshanova]

I want to assure you that even if the combined forces of NATO entered the war with Russia in 2022, they would not be able to defeat Russia. Yes, Russia would initially suffer tactical defeats, but this would give such an impetus to the unification of the peoples of Russia that the war would end with the capture of Washington by the Russians. Learn history, even if Russia loses in one battle or another, in the end it always wins.

[@joelferguson8714]

What kills me is the fact that the UK thinks it has any voice in the world anymore.. talk about self important.

[@zyrrhos]

The same can be said about the US when it comes to "having a voice." Meaning, we don't use our words, we use our might. Like a bully.

[@lazyman7505]

@@zyrrhos But unlike UK, US does have the largest conventional military on the planet. UK has .. SAS and SBS guys I guess?

[@gintasvilkelis2544]

The UK does have a voice. Not the biggest, but still considerable.

[@Kodreanu23]

I think US problem is that they think they still think they can do whatever. But the power balance is not that one sided anymore and the US elites are not accepting that...

[@piotrcagara7512]

@@joelferguson8714 the UK biggest influence on the world today? It's language and it's music definitely. Otherwise it's a case study of a country that is determined to collapse itself from the inside in terms of couture and living standards.

[@Io-Io-Io]

What's wrong with you Mearshie? Russia will never accept Ukraine becoming a part of NATO and no one can do anything about it

[@cliomuse1206]

The Kremlin had the same rhetoric for other Eastern European countries in the 90s, but we did join NATO despite Russia’s opinion. They need to suck it up or at the very least, ask themselves the questions why all of these countries are flocking to NATO and the EU, and want to get as further away from Russia as possible.

[@ignatziusturret5641]

What has Ukraine has in common with Poland, Hungary or the Baltic States?​@@cliomuse1206

[@chris8949]

This Proxy war needs to stop now !!

[@jorgeponce5512]

I am an opponent of liberal democracy. I prefer plutocracy and that's why I live in the US.

[@vgames6792]

😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅 Uniparty regime, which censors opposite narratives, force you into experimental injections, trying to jail its main opposition leader, is in constant wars or proxy war. USA regime is pretty much regime of economicFscm

[@tonysherwood9619]

A kleptocracy now!

[@rexiioper6920]

this owns the comment section

[@eldragon4076]

😂👍

[@skibidi.G]

😂

[@MrRight1000]

On the subject of keeping nukes in Ukraine after the breakup of the Soviet Union: My understanding is that nukes on the territory of Ukraine were dumb nukes, meaning that all command and control functionality was located in Russia proper. These nukes were like dumb computer terminals, i.e. terminals without a CPU. What good could it possibly have done to keep them up there?

[@robrob9050]

Yes but the warheads were real, Ukraine at that time great industrial base, they could keep their independence real.

[@Treasure_hunter_21]

@@robrob9050 no. they couldnt. Bc Ukraine is an oligarh rulled country. with or withot nothing wouldve changed. plus they didnt had codes.

[@robrob9050]

@@Treasure_hunter_21 in 1993 these oligars were just starting. It's failure of Ukraine to keep her independence.

[@sotirmilivojevic6233]

What people don't understand.. if Ukraine kept nukes - today it would be Russia's ally, there would be no USA money for banderites, there would be no color revolution, nothing of that sort(USA never messes with nuclear powers.. because they usually find the worst group of criminals to pay and support - now imagine if one of their pet projects, ISIS, got control of nukes - USA has at least that much sense). Russia would be one and only country with influence in Ukraine .. and Russia would have 1.5 more nukes than it has today, which is one of the reasons USA demanded that Ukraine joins NPT.

[@timtrewyn453]

The United States was quite capable of converting Soviet weapons into Ukrainian weapons. Nice of the US not to do that.

[@QasimAlKhuzaie]

One of the most honest interviews I have ever listened to!

[@drift-oninn2179]

如果只用美國人的角度，Mearsheimer無法真正了解中國。

[@montrelouisebohon-harris7023]

Well, anything coming out of the government here in the United States is bullshit and I know because I’m an American. Most real Americans who have not been imported here over the past 40 years or who have come and they really really want to work and I’m on their own business without anybody bothering them and vice versa., aren’t like Washington DC because they’re so corrupt! What Joe Bidens administration just did to Donald Trump is exactly the way they are and they say they’re a democracy and what they did the trump is nothing short of a Kremlin Soviet style Sham trial! They were doing this to President Nixon Mac in the 1970s for a couple reasons and one was because he was withdrawing troops from Vietnam because he didn’t even like them over there in the first place and second he was backing the Shah of Iran, who was the monarch to stay in place, because despite any imperfections, the people in Iran were more free, and there were people going back around behind his back in the Democrat party, and some Republican warmongers having secret talks with the ayatollah Khomeini, and the next thing I know there was Watergate scandal, but I was only six at the time. I thought Nixon was great, because even though I was really little he met with the Chinese leader.,,Mao! I remember how everything was so different in China compared to America but trying I had been through bloody hell since the 1920s because the CCP was fighting with the government going back to the 20s (1924 I think is when it started and you will have to forgive me on my Chinese history because I’m not a professional but I have read a lot about it because I want to know and understand), the communist were fighting with the government in power with the Soviet union backing, and then Japan, invaded China and committed the most atrocious disgusting war crimes!! Germans had war crimes, criminals, and granted I think out of the 38 people or 36 people that did get the death penalty may be only 26 or 28 of them did die. The rest of them were in prison for the rest of their lives, and most of the people went to prison whether it was 10 years 20 years are for the rest of their lives, depending on what they did, and especially pertaining to the Holocaust and the concentration camps. Goodness gracious, the Soviet union committed war, crimes, moving westward, and once they got to east Germany, and they wouldn’t even feed the people there either even though the United States was sending food to feed 200 million people in the Soviet Union so they wouldn’t start to death or three or four years. The USA and the UK flew out every five minutes, dropping off thousands and thousands of pounds of food and it’s been known as the East Berlin or the eastern Germany food AirDrop.. by the 1960s America I was just starting to go to hell to be honest and I was born in 1967. President Nixon had ping-pong diplomacy going on with China and I always thought it was so cool and I was a little kid didn’t know much about anything.. then a couple years later they’re trying to impeach him and get him out of office and I know he didn’t do anything worse than anybody else. It’s just they wanted him out. sad!!! American citizens don’t want war with anybody and only time American citizens and I’m talking about the true American citizens, which probably 75% of us or 80% is IF Somebody does something to us first like the attack on Pearl Harbor or September 11, 2001 etc. etc. and even the British intercepting a telegram from Germany to Mexico in 1917 was enough to make Americans declare war on Germany and finally get in the world war one, because when I first started fighting in 1914, the Americans were saying “ well, here they go again!”. That’s exactly why we had a revolutionary war and we didn’t want Britain’s tyranny, and it seems like after World War II and then NATO so many of our politicians got pretty goody-goody with western European leaders, and they started taking on their snobby elitist Socialist fascist ideologies because I thought the power was pretty good and that’s what started the rule in America here in the USA and it’s really really sad. Donald Trump became president and he didn’t want war with anybody but he’s not gonna take any shit from anybody.. he was sitting at Mar-a-Lago at his house with president Xi. The only thing he did, and wanted to do militarily in his term was take out the terrorist group, Isis, and obliterate them. They were doing stuff like the Japanese did in China and they would go to people times pull them out shoot on, etc. etc. or decapitate them and Obama didn’t do anything about it and in fact he was the one that was so incompetent over in the Middle East and that’s what caused Isis to grow. President Trump said we can go over there and make them out in about two months but Congress made him stay two years.. see?? I was so glad when we pulled out of there in 2019 and turkey was going in just to keep the area Isis free,& Turkey was supposed to keep it Isis free but then Joe Biden became president a year later. When Joe Biden became president, Turkey pulled out, and Isis has grown back again. Trump was eating chocolate cake with the president of China and they were watching the video of what was going on over in Syria and the military was the bomb in the heck out of the terrorist group and I think they miss old and 56 or 58 times and then dropped a MOAB on Isis, and that’s a mother of all bombs, and is probably one of the biggest bombs. When it was over the president of China looked right at him, and he said. “repeat!” & President Trump said he was shocked because he was not aware that the president of China knew how to speak any English.

[@snowsnow4231]

If you don`t now Chinese, you cannot understand China, if you do not speak Russian, you cannot understand Russia, its a simple concept western "experts" are incapable of understanding.

[@dfdf-rj8jr]

How much they pay you, again? 50 cents?

[@Wtizreal]

中国人比欧洲人更团结，他们能够忍受艰苦的工作和延迟满足感，但欧洲人作为罗马的继承者，天生就有一种扩张和征服的欲望，以及反抗压迫和暴政的意志。 他们中的一些人还具有马基雅维利主义，造就了拿破仑这样的人物

[@plung3r]

@@dfdf-rj8jr no, Eminem

[@dim_poznyak]

Спасибо, профессор Миршаймер. Спасибо, мистер Грей.

[@abduazirhi2678]

Thanks for sharing this great podcast. Prof John Mearsheimer is an amazing political scientist to listen to. He's so knowledgeable.

[@fouadramsis1128]

Agree. The West selectively "tolerates" illiberal or autocratacies, as long as they do what they're told by the West. See Saoudi Arabia , Qatar, UAE, Egypt, Jordan etc..

[@stavroskarageorgis4804]

Ukraine never had its own nuclear weapons. Nuclear weapons of the USSR were sited in the territory of Ukraine SSR. The Russian Federation became the "successor state" to the USSR for all Treaty purposes. There was zero chance of Ukraine qua independent state to inherit part of the USSR's nuclear arsenal. Mearsheimer was wrong in 1993 on this and remains wrong today. 29:00

[@stavroskarageorgis4804]

When the USSR was declared "no more", there were components of the USSR's nuclear arsenal located in multiple erstwhile SSRs outside of the erstwhile Russian SSR. Zero basis for anything other than either all of them severally becoming nuclear states or only one of them. NB. Russia did not have its own separate U.N. seat while the USSR was in existence. Ukraine and Belarus did! "Ultimately, at the Yalta Conference a compromise was made in which two Soviet republics (Ukrainian SSR and Byelorussian SSR) were admitted as full members of the United Nations. As such, between 1945 and 1991, the Soviet Union was represented by three seats in the United Nations."

[@paulflocken2730]

Ukraine had physical possession of the missiles/warheads. With physical possession they would eventually rework the control capabilities necessary to make the functional weapon systems under Ukrainian control. The only element they needed was time. They didn't lack for expertise. That's why American perfidity had to act fast in the early nineties to get those weapons out of the hands of the Ukrainians.

[@alanrobertson9790]

The important point is that following independence Ukraine had control of the nuclear weapons within Ukraine. If that wasn't the case Russia could simply have transported them to Russia and indeed a treaty would not have been necessary.

[@grzegorzmielcarek4359]

Concerning the NATO argument there is a slight contradiction. On the one hand the argument is that the USA shouldn't interfere in other countries' decisions and processes. But it is ok for Russia to say they don't want Ukraine in NATO and Ukraine has nothing to say? So USA shouldn't but Russia can?

[@WilkinsMichael]

And most importantly do Ukrainians get a say in what happens in Ukraine? In Mearsheimer's world they don't but F him.

[@luciavanolli]

Compliments to Prof. Mearsheimer for His accurate Analisys, Thank You so much! Thank to Freddy Gray too!

[@debbie7707]

Why are we trying to "stymie" Russia? If Russia is not hawkish, as the Professor says, if Russia is not planning to swallow up Eastern Europe and continue expanding (which is demonstrable), but is instead in Ukraine because of its perception of Western intrigue and US weapons on its borders, the real question then becomes: What believable argument does the West make for actually being entrenched there? "To defend democracy" cannot be the answer since Ukraine is not a democracy, and since we are obviously absolutely indifferent to our own crippled democratic state of chaos, rampant crime, corruption, deprivation of the suffering, and open borders--whose government welcomes the gluttonous infiltration by millions of unknowns. This war is about Western hegemony--the perverse ambition of conquering the world and greedily seizing control of more and more nations, asserting power, and illicitly gobbling up the spoils of all for itself.

[@marscruz]

You have to be able to tell the difference between what they say their motives are and what their actual motives are. If you can't understand that the government constantly lies and misleads you then you won't ever understand what is really going on. You won't learn anything by watching TV or listening to the various talking heads or spokespeople. Good luck sweetie. The rabbit hole goes much deeper than you could ever imagine.

[@wolfbirk8295]

You got it...,?

[@1being]

"Open borders"? Really? I guess you want a wall. Geez learn to live with the rest of humanity. Many of those who cross the border are escaping vehemently countries the US deliberately wrecked. Stop wrecking countries and many will stay home.

[@joemerino3243]

Pretty amazing to hear Russians calling anybody else greedy for territory.

[@Denime]

You’re factually incorrect in your description of Ukraine’s democracy. They have held many elections, with multiple different presidents in power since 1992. Here’s the CATO Freedom Index for 2023. Ukraine (83) far outranks Russia (121), UAE (125), Turkey (128) and India (109). Israel itself is only 59, with Greece at 57. And on “personal freedom”, Israel and Ukraine are almost identical (7.12 and 7.32) vs Russia (5.9). Ukraine loses on “economic freedom” which is not required for it to be a healthy democracy. You can be poor and free. The war is destroying Ukraine’s democracy, just like Putin wants it to, interfering with normal functions of a society. A successful Ukrainian democracy would put Putin’s regime at risk.

[@almapraxeda6049]

Thank you for these Statements

[@irinaoleinikova5235]

It was Russian nuclear weapons the territory of Ukraine, they never had their own nuclear weapons

[@rexiioper6920]

well soviet weapons- but there were concerns about how ukraine could manage them alone

[@Treasure_hunter_21]

@@rexiioper6920 Ukraine didnt had acceses to them nor had their codes.

[@natalieblack1698]

@@rexiioper6920 and rightfully so, Ukraine is one of the most corrupt countries in the world. They would’ve sold off that nuclear arsenal for 10k USD a missile to any shady warlord who brought cash.

[@stavroskarageorgis4804]

USSR nuclear arsenal. Not Russian until the USSR was no more, and the Russian Federation became its successor state wrt to all Treaties, etc. .

[@robrob9050]

So you will argue that Ukraine was occupied during USSR?

[@99IronDuke]

A great, intelligent and sane guest.

[@alexsteinbrink5671]

very interesting to listen to such highly intelligent people... thanks to John Mearsheimer!

[@jdghgh]

I can accept Mearsheimer in terms of his realist approach to geopolitics. What I have trouble with is his whole attitude regarding Russia.

[@nexxogen]

Because the default is "Russa bad" and you cannot let go of that in any capacity?

[@jdghgh]

@@nexxogen In terms of 'default', that's not how it works for me. I let evidence speak for itself.

[@nexxogen]

@@jdghgh And what evidence is that?

[@ia24645]

@@jdghghWhat evidence is that?

[@raymondreddington9788]

@@nexxogen He doesnt have evidence

[@ad5792]

Ukraine never had nuclear weapons. Soviet Union and then Russia has nuclear weapons. All the decision centers and control of these weapons always were in Moscow. Never in Kiev. So Ukraine never could "keep" something they never had. Just like American nuclear weapons located in Europe.

[@MrRoyalbeers]

Ukraine had Nukes. Hence they transferred them to russia. Russia had no more claim to soviet union nukes than Ukraine had. Quit your attempts at semanthics. Russia was just a part of soviet union just like Ukraine and any other memberstate was.

[@shamsiddinnabiev3151]

Well the USSR wasnt just russia and those nuclear weapons were not only created by russians. The country collapsed so did the "creator” of the weapons. Your point is too absolutist, the reality is not that simple

[@paulflocken2730]

Ukraine had physical possession of the missiles/warheads. With physical possession they would eventually rework the control capabilities necessary to make the functional weapon systems under Ukrainian control. The only element they needed was time. They didn't lack for expertise. That's why American perfidity had to act fast in the early nineties to get those weapons out of the hands of the Ukrainians.

[@quandmeme9970]

They had nukes physically and had great scientists, engineers and nuclear reactors.

[@ad5792]

@@shamsiddinnabiev3151 My point is that in reality, Russia is a legal successor to the USSR, not Ukraine or any other former part of it. Also, every former republic now makes claims to whatever was developed in that republic under the USSR, conveniently "forgetting" the point that you are making.

[@megsfs]

Great to hear someone talking about those topics based on facts and reason instead of beliefs and ideology

[@sergeymyasnikov736]

With all due respect to Prof here, but what are those "Ukranian nuclear missiles" he keeps talking about? Russia agreed to inherit USSR's international debts and obligations, while Ukraine got a clean slate. Why would strategically importatnt weaponry that just happened to be located in Ukraine at the time of Soviets dissolution be suddenly considered "theirs"?

[@mxfx5000-fh2sw]

He spoke very clearly. There were nuclear missiles at modern Ukraine territory prior 91, he meant in this sense "theirs".

[@Toto-no3mv]

I saw a presentation made shortly before the full-scale invasion, where someone asked Mearsheimer if Putin would invade Ukraine. He answered "Oh no, Putin would never be that stupid".

[@rafikkandxorov3668]

everyone makes mistakes... the West also should not have ignored the Minsk agreements with Putin... Ukrainians are now paying for it with their lives:((

[@wtfatc4556]

But he is the smartest... Well i guess he is not :)). He has a convincing voice, although

[@justameeple6012]

I can’t take John Mearsheimer seriously leading up the the Ukraine war he got so much wrong. He also said the eastern part of Ukraine and Kharkiv is ethically Russian and would essentially welcome Russia intervention.

[@laurodr]

If you look at the Ukrainian 2010 election demographics, you'll see the population split. Ethnic Russians voted for Yanukovych. He won the election by about a 46% plurality.

[@trs8696]

Yeah, mersheimer got this war so wrong. It's impossible to take him seriously on this topic

[@AndreasOchsenbein]

Thank you for the very interesting conversation - and for being so relaxed. I learnt a lot. And the conversation opened my eyes. On a side note: it's fascinating how people always talk about us, our goals, the goals of the West. That the West would never accept a Russian victory, etc. That very much speaks in favour of a proxy war.

[@christophersmith3248]

At last! Some factual commentary in British media.

[@larisasayenko1604]

In Canada bilingual country: "both English and French are recognized as official languages and granted equal status by the Canadian government. The federal government provides services and operates in both languages". "Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms" guarantees minority language educational rights in all provinces and territories" Unlike many multi-ethnic countries such as Canada, Switzerland, Belgium, to name a few, the constitution of the Independendant Ukrainian declared that only Ukrainian language enjoys a status of the official language and language of social communication. After collapse of the Soviet Union in1991 the Independent state of Ukraine unleashed the Cultural Ethnocide of Ethnic Russians their forceful assimilation. and extermination of those who didn't accept the New Order in Ukraine. Schools in Ukraine scrap Russian language from their curriculars". Russian language was prohibited. Despite Ethnic Russians and Russian speakers made over 40% of Ukrainian population, Russians in Ukraine were deprived of the principle human rights, the right to get education in their own language, in the values of the great Russian culture, Russian schools were closed, in schools Russian kids were prohibited to speak Russian from the early age even at the breaks between classes Russians in Ukraine faced the distortion of the Russia's Great History, destruction of their historical heritage, memorials and monuments devote.d to the history of the Motherland Russia. After collapse of the Soviet Union Ukraine was established as the Anti Russia, as the "Bulwark of Aggression on Russian Border", threatening to ruin to destroy Russia. There were Minsk agreements" stipulated the means and measures, presuming and providing, "rights and freedoms" for ethnic Russians in Ukraine. Ukraine signed Minsk Agreements but refused to implement it, instead promised the filtration camps and bombarded Donbass. Since Maidan revolution in Kiev of 1914, before the beginning of the Military Operation over16 thousands residents of Donbass including children perished - the result of Ukrainian shellings bombardments and the ukrainian terrorist attacks Which is why ethnic Russians of Ukraine on the historically Russian territories, voted for the returning back home to the Motherland Russia, where they historically belong, albeit were included in the artificial construct of the Soviet Republc Ukraine created , by virtue of "International Revolutionaries, Bolsheviks, staging "Great Experiment," on the Land of Russian Empire, after the Russian Revolution 1917 and Civil War, century ago.

[@robrob9050]

They were screwed up when they banned Tolstoy, the great writer was always arguing for peace since he witnessed horrors of war on Crimea battlefield. Banning him to me is like banning works of Ghandhi, shortsighted and cultural loss.

[@andrewprindiville119]

SILENCE BOT

[@didisjsn]

Base

[@Music1212Punk]

Ruski bot/troll detected.

[@joemerino3243]

Canada may provide services in French and English, but when it was consolidating its borders it actively suppressed Indigenous languages. Every European nation, Russia included, suppressed minority languages; France suppressed Occitan, Spain suppressed Basque, etc. Russia not only suppressed but liquidated entire ethnic groups to form it's vast, bloated territorial holdings, for example the Crimean Tatars. I wonder if the Russian-speaking Ukrainian traitors feel it was worth it not that they helped justify turning their homes into bombed-out minefields.

[@jeffreygrant1042]

Congratulations on your first show televised!!

[@LEDSMANIA]

With all the respect to mr. Mearshimer nuclear weapons in SSSR were Russian and controlled by Russian.

[@viconichol]

NW was also in Ukraine, Belarus an Kazahstan

[@yuliyakuzina7689]

I am from Russia and I can confirm John knows what he’s saying!

[@jennyperez3981]

Thank you for the education in foreign affairs

[@georgeapostol4285]

The interviewer seems placed to be among ones who see non anti-russians as pro-russians.

[@aiolosdaftsis]

His name is not Piutin its Putin, its really hard to ignore...

[@AndreyMedvedev]

Thank you! Finally, someone said it. Also, they are not "newkewlar" weapons, but nuclear (comes from the word "nucleus")

[@susanbalog8355]

@@AndreyMedvedev pet peeve of mine when people mispronounce nuclear

[@Olegstuff21986]

The Brits do that in purpose, to make his name sound like the word "puke".

[@brothercaleb]

Pootin

[@mogurumoguru]

They do it on purpose. Every little evil counts for these idiots...

[@dulat]

Mearshmeier speaks based on solid evidence on the ground. I don't have nearly enough information nor expertise to argue. But one thing none of American analysis takes into account is historical analogies. In World War I Russia too was overwhelmingly favored against Germany, but it lost. And a huge bloody mess ensued. Another thing I never hear Mearshmeier or any American talking about is anticolonial sentiment in and around Russia. Even when he talks about nationalism, he forgets how much Georgians, Ukrainians and many others hate Russia as their colonial oppressor.

[@davidleeconnellys1027]

Have you ever spoken with Putin?

[@whowhy9023]

He’s indirectly paid by Putin.

[@ChrisoKyriacou]

Has anyone watched the movie called the pentagon wars. It explains the results in Ukraine. It is so funny. No wonder the current generals think they can win against Russia.

[@luth3713]

First episode sets a very high bar for future shows to match. Mearsheimer has an extremely well informed analyst of world politics for a long time.

[@ahimsainthekitchen]

Great Interview. The regular people desire peace. Unfortunately, peace is not lucrative for the powerful and greedy military complex.

[@roryquarrier7337]

The only reason why I visit the spectator is Americano and maybe holy smoke

[@ernestasn]

His main argument for Russia’s victory against Ukraine is that Ukraine is outnumbered. Then in the interview he claims that Israel can’t win against Hamas and the US didn’t win against Taliban even though they have a superior military. He contradicts himself on this.

[@WilkinsMichael]

He contradicts himself constantly. His arguments rarely have even internal logic. I'm not sure why he is so famous.

[@aaronhoffman9020]

Hate to burst yr bubbles, The US is not a 'liberal democracy' ever since the Dulles bros. made their statements, and before and after, especially since Patriot Act, etc etc. Accurate analysis requires accurate use of language, aka Wittgenstein, etc

[@shinlee2579]

It is tremendous inspiring to hear professor speak of the truth

[@lichtloper]

You are inspied? ...to do what exactly? .

[@maxthemagition]

John is spot on.

[@bubbaconway4081]

Definitely not a hawk I do agree on his Gaza statement but not about Russia Guess he grew up in a Cold war and feared the bomba coming down on his head..

[@WillFinch-k4j]

Exactly my thoughts. He makes for me a perfect argument to describe the Gaza situation. Ukraine not so much as I see the war there as one of conquest, imperial restoration. Russia threatening Europe requires a collective effort to stop them in Ukraine. He seems to feel that the Ukraine war is lost without taking into account that kleptocratic Russia is fragile.

[@andersstook3273]

I'm sure the Russians was prepared for this whole scenario years before it occured.

[@mananaVesta]

Well, they didn't convert their army to policing third world countries, like NATO did - it always was a force to fight industrial full scale wars on its own territory. They just worked real hard to overhaul it since the eye opener in 2014, when NATO started killing the Russian speaking civilians in Ukraine via its just installed Kiev proxy.

[@henrim3520]

Mr. Mearsheimer has an interesting map in the background

[@telsat]

From Quebec Canada I’m looking forward to listening to your podcast but as long as you keep it honest with zero fake news then I’ll be a regular. Welcome in the world of video podcasting

[@riekopo7638]

One of the things I haven't heard Mearsheimer comment on is the fact that Russia is churning through huge amounts of manpower (possibly 400,000+ dead now) and also churning through all their old Soviet stocks of military equipment. Based on the attrition rate observed it seems they will run out of old Soviet stuff at the end of this year or next year sometime. They are producing new stuff but not at a rate to keep up with the battlefield demands (except artillery which they don't seem to have a problem producing). Increasingly we are seeing Russians ride around the battlefield using golf carts, civilian vehicles and motorbikes.

[@johnwi-l_l-iamsf3763]

Lol, you really believe in those nonsense the media preach lol ..tell me this , ukriane has about 1 m , russia has just about 500k and if russia has so many losses why is ukriane running out of men? Don't simple maths and logic work in west ?...

[@johnwi-l_l-iamsf3763]

And regarding your lost pf equipment lol, remember when the west believed russia will lose by 2023 ? Remember when west said snactions are working, remember when ur media said " russia ran out of weapons and using shovels " back in jan 2023 .. wake up from ur own fantasies and face the reality without been desperate... why are u hiding from reality, russia never had such huuuuuuuge losses as they said and they will not run out of anything in this or next or future years , jist wake up kid....

[@johnwi-l_l-iamsf3763]

Using motorbikes bcuz they ran out of weapons 😂😂😂😂😂 what kind of a desprate and fantasy world do u live in 😂 how pathetic is these ppl from west 😂 running away from reality and making up their own stories just to make up their minds 😂😂😂😂😂😂 poor guy

[@galahadthreepwood]

Stop listening to western propagander.

[@wolfbirk8295]

I dont believe...disinformation MI6...?

[@Mia-xw1nh]

Great guest... some home truths that should be out there more.

[@geoeconomics5629]

Who rules East Europe commands the Heartland - John Halford Mackinder

[@Kodreanu23]

This is actually the truest explanation of Ukraine conflict

[@geoeconomics5629]

@@Kodreanu23 Correct

[@Bumpsy58]

We should have never been involved in the Ukraine from the coup onward.

[@rafikkandxorov3668]

now We have to go through this path to the end:((

[@MrRoyalbeers]

@@rafikkandxorov3668 When you base your entire opinion on russian propaganda you are going to end up making stupid conclusions

[@wolfbirk8295]

​@@MrRoyalbeersperhaps you are wrong..?

[@MrRoyalbeers]

@@wolfbirk8295 how could that be wrong? 100% comitting yourself to propaganda seems pretty dumb to me.

[@jileelmcdaniels7331]

@@MrRoyalbeers Could you acknowledge that you are possibly influenced by western propaganda? Different nations have different perspectives. When the US had it's adventures in the middle east and earlier Vietnam we refused to listen to the perspective of the natives, so we lost.

[@Ella-g5]

Scholz - 13% Macron - 15% Orban - 44%

[@joaoMTcoelho]

According to col Macgregor the US would suffer a devastating defeat.

[@plung3r]

If what?

[@jameskellogg83]

Nobody should believe anything that Scott Ritter or Douglas MacGregor say. It appears that very few people who listen to MacGregor and Ritter have a clear understanding of who these people really are. Both Ritter and MacGregor work for RT. RT stands for Russia Today. RT is a Russian news network that is 100% paid for by the Russian government. RT has often been called "The propaganda arm of Vladimir Putin". Ritter and MacGregor would say that black is white and white is black if Putin /Russia tells them to. Russia pays both of them and they both have a fan base in Russia. If you don't believe what I have written about them, please do a little research and you will realize that what I have written here is correct. Why do you think that neither MacGregor or Ritter ever publicly reveal that they work for RT? The answer is simple. If people knew who was paying Ritter and MacGregor, nobody with a brain in their head would believe anything that they say. I would say the same thing to anyone; Before you believe what someone says, know who they are. Know who your sources are. There are many peculiar people who have programs on the internet. Many of these people have agendas. It is often wise to question what people say.

[@omfug7148]

Which is why it is Colonel not General Macgregor, he is full of shit.

[@DimiKgianni19..]

Promises!!!!!

[@jameskellogg83]

@tlv8555 You are correct in calling MacGregor that. Same for Scott Ritter. Both are paid by RT (Russia Today) It amazes me that so many people fall for their nonsense and seem to have no inkling as to who is paying them. But maybe I should not be so surprised.

[@knightalexius593]

The reality of a liberal democracy is very different from the idea, the narrative. There is power, particularly the power of money and the power of "security" institutions and of the media.

[@libertarianbydefault]

The US may have liberal democracy (or used to have) inside the US. In its foreign policy the US is a tyrant.

[@piotrmalik4908]

But it is still much better to live in the "real" liberal democracy than in the Soviet-style socialist democracy. I know that because I lived in both these systems during my lifetime.

[@timtrewyn453]

It's about the morale of the populace and its productivity. US with 2.5 times Russian population but 10 times larger economy. US with 1/4 the population of China but a slightly larger economy. Autocrats just don't get it morale. They try, but they don't have the empathy to get it right. Autocrats just want to win. The people come in second and more humiliated than people in liberal democracy.

[@Ggaia-d9z]

This guy is insane. He thinks neo-conservatives wanna spread liberalism.

[@jdotsalter910]

Just like the idea of Marxism in practice was a catastrophe in the hands of madmen like Stalin, Mao, Pol Pot.

[@kristispain]

Thank you for the great content. I appreciate the professor's ideas, with the exception that, if someone prefer to live in autocracy, leave them alone. Otherwise, I largely agree. The issue is that, since the people who live in autocricy they lack the authority to express their dislike, it may appear as though they do. The criminal profile people who become wealthy and handle everything are the only ones who find it appealing. I speak from personal experience because I am from Lithuania, which was part of the Soviet Union. Before perestroika, I had wonderful memories of living there, but after that, when i had 20 years, around 1990, things got really bad because bandits began to run businesses and the government helped them. Ucranians (regular hardworking people) lived recently in that still. I can therefore distinguish between the period before and after Lithuania joined the EU. a significant improvement. People from some countries thought that, we are similar to Marionete of the United States and even if it can be true, we live much better now. And in 2004 I spent a summer working with numerous students from Eastern Europe in the UK; the Ukrainians seemed to be the poorest (regular people like me). With russians working with us they were like brothers. They therefore have more resources than Lithuania, but they are not a richer nation because everything is run by bandits. And why the Ukrainians were initially eager to fight in this war voluntary without pay is they wanted to fight against bandits and they had president who supported this idea. They took action against bandits within their nation. They desired to attend ES and lead better lives, because they saw our examples. They came before the war to work in Lithuania for bigger salary, but not Lithuanians went to Ucraine for it. So Lithuania lets say being marrionete of US (as some people say) before entered EU lives better. The difference is that Lithuania had luck, not Putin was a president in that time.

[@marie-laure.]

His analysis is truly deep and interesting, but like everyone else he shows bias. For instance the English empire, which is effectively the American empire (unless they are one thing), is constantly washed away from the picture to blame the French who have decolonised without hesitation and what he dares call s French influence pales in comparison to the millions killed in the name of the Anglo American empire or hegemony, whatever. Isn't it nice to blame the innocent, so that you can pretend you are the god guy whilst stealing and killing indiscriminately

[@andreygazarian1732]

Sorry, I may sound blunt or even primitive, but the Western idea of foreign relations can simply be depicted as master/slave relationships. Master knows better what their slaves need/want. This kind of relationship can be quite stable and mutually beneficial, albeit with an unequal distribution of rights and goods. If both sides agree to this contract, everyone’s happy. The West sincerely sees nothing wrong with that.

[@whysoserious8666]

How is the Russian idea any different? I mean what is their plan with Ukraine? It’s not like they are even pretending to install a democracy.

[@achenarmyst2156]

Indeed, you sound blunt and primitive. EU foreign policies are on a completely different trajectory.

[@Pavel.Fomitchov]

Very logical argumentation and clear thinking. Outstanding analytics!

[@larisasayenko1604]

Regards the modern Ukraine as of today "The ancient ogre has woken up" "In the meantime, the victims of the MAY2, 2014 - massacre in Odessa (on that day, live TV reports showed anti-Maidan protesters being burned alive in the city's Trade Unions House, while those who managed to escape the fire were openly slaughtered shortly after right in the city's streets) were posthumously subjected to the most unbridled public derision and humiliation. Restaurant menus started to feature "roasted kolorads and titushkas" (alluding to the derisive sobriquets given to opposition protesters). At the same time, entertainment clubs' visitors were shown on camera savouring cakes and kebabs advertised to be "made out of Russian children". "The ancient ogre has woken up" It was 2014 , Ukraine was Independent for over two decades.. Protesters in Ukraine the "Democratic State" were killed, burned alive, because they didn't accept ultranationalist's New Order in Ukraine, the forceful assimilation of Ethnic Russians. On the historically Russian territories protesters requested education in Russian Language in the values of the Great Russian Culture. They refused to accept Bundera as a National Hero. In WWII Bandera collaborated with Nazi, "Successfuly organized mass murders assigned to Bandera and his thugs by the SS.” And "today’s neo-Banderite battalions, fueled by manic hatred of anything “Russian,” got the lion’s share of military aid.... that. bolstered them for future attacks on Donbas then ultimately on Russia". More about Ukraine and its Freedoms "Russian POWs were tortured and murdered on camera to the general public's delight and approval, with the footage being shared and re-shared on social media. In the meantime, Ukraine's own looters and pillagers have been shown tied to trees in city streets butt-naked and subjected to public torture and humiliation by random passersby absolutely unfazed by the presence of cameras. " "The ancient ogre has woken up" It's the Ukrainian "Democracy" So many are excited about, while so many prefer to Ignore Real Ukraine is a failed state with the omnipresent corruption and impoverished, brainwashed population..with the unrestrained Ethnocide of Ethnic Russians unleashed in the Independent Ukraine..

[@joemerino3243]

Wow, what a load of lies.

[@ia24645]

@@joemerino3243Wow! That was a lot of truth, every fact that the lady has stipulated can be proven by a lot of footage, photos, historical documents, people’s verbal and written evidence… One of them was a report that was submitted to and accepted by the UN on the torture of the Donbass civilians in secret prisons, mostly by Azov thugs, over the 8 years of the Ukraine’s war against its once compatriots…. there is not only evidence but a lot of horrid photos… I repeat, it was accepted by the UN as genuine…

[@lichtloper]

Yeah, let's talk about atricoties: In Xina, the neoGulags, in Iran, NKorea, Syria.

[@nurnberg1561]

Sanctions against Russia only raised the prices of everything in the EU. This only suits the military industry on both sides, and they divide people so that they can rule, the old Roman story.

[@rtzx12570]

Where is the evidence for a potentials collapse? Recent elections, his centrist position, his elevation of Shoygu to National Security Advisor. Putting a financially savvy minister directly into the ministers position and sacking the corrupt and incompetent generals is what the people want to see. He makes the military more effective and efficient. Peace time is the enemy of a military and the longer it last the less effective the army becomes. The first few months of the war show this. Ukraine has failed to evolve and will died/ is DOA. Russia has stalled consolidated, straightened it's lines reinforced them and is now increasing and evolving into the true superpower of our imagination.

[@proselytizingorthodoxpente8304]

Putin is kept afloat by corruption. Thats how his system of patronage works. And how he manages to stay in power. So nothing will change. Now we're two years into the war, and the kremlin is ever more desperate to present its failure in Ukraine as a Ukrainian failure.

[@maggie8586]

"The country is happy with an autocratic system". That's rich. A country is a monolith. And how can anyone in an autocratic system express "unhappiness"????? The realism perspective is more full of holes than Swiss cheese.

[@Myohomoto]

Finland excels at gorilla warfare. When the snow sings Russians cry...

[@robbyrogersberg1520]

Russia hasn't even stood up from their seat yet and already crushed Ukraine. For Ukraines sake, negotiations need to start to stop this crazy conflict

[@josephtany9515]

According to customary law and similar to execution in civil cases, the International Court of Justice is required to appoint volunteer countries to intervene and stop the genocide

[@walkerineternity2334]

Perhaps a better strategy for NATO would have been to keep to the Minsk accords, rather than funding the war in Ukraine. The fault for this conflict lies entirely with the west for expanding eastwards and not keeping their word. The military industrial complex needed a bogeyman to justify the spending and they want to strip mine Russia's resources like they tried to do when Yeltsin was President.

[@colby25]

Minsk 2014.....The 3 (of the 13) points in the minsk agreement putin refused to recognise. 4. To start a dialogue on interim self-government for the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, in accordance with Ukrainian law, and acknowledge their special status by parliamentary resolution. 9. Restoration of full control of the state border by the government of Ukraine. 10. Withdrawal of all foreign armed formations, military equipment and mercenaries. Plus the biggest peace deal game breaker of course......invading the very nation the peace deasl was with, and with it a UN recognised sovereign nation. Just saying.....

[@walkerineternity2334]

@@colby25 As far as I can see the Russians signed the MInsk Accords.

[@alexpavlov3535]

Yes yes - you can defeat Russia. We have heard that many times into our history.

[@asingh8014]

It's such a pleasure to hear Professor Mearsheimer.

[@arthurrafferty4102]

The spectator may have a loyal following but it also follows the western narratives and of course tows the Israeli lobby line.

[@rexiioper6920]

its a fascist publication for refined fascists

[@larisasayenko1604]

"Short digest of the roots of Ukrainian crisis from 1654 to present" "Map of the roots of Ukrainian crisis from 1654 to present" "As a result of Soviet Union's collapse it's 15 former republic became the newly independent states, Ukraine among them......, having strong industrial and agricultural sectors, a favorable climate and fertile land, "Ukraine had great potential to become one of the most prosperous European countries. That is, if its leadership had chosen a political course that took into account the country’s centuries-old economic, family, cultural and religious ties with Russia. Effective anti-corruption reforms, a certain level of autonomy for the regions with large Russian ethnic population, two state languages and neutral status with no membership in any military blocs would have made Ukraine if not a new Switzerland then definitely a happy and prosperous state. There would be no civil war and Donbass and Crimea would still be a part of Ukraine." And as of today: "Ukraine as an ethnoSpartan hyper- militarized Bastion armed to the teeth by NATO existing by years in a state of permanent war for Russia and us, the taxpayers nothing we can do about it Zelenski articulated his Vision in a chilling statement this April here's what he said: "We could not talk about being a Switzerland of the future but we will definitely become a big Israel with its own face a big Israel we will not be....." Abstract from the Transcript..

[@krisztinavarga4223]

Indeed, I thank you for the background info. I am so terribly sorry for the people in Ukraine. They did not deserve this.

[@ТетянаКот-с8ж]

So what does he propose? Sit and wait until all Eastern Europe becomes russia?

[@somekindaguy100]

I would suggest you stop listening to the likes of Lindsay Graham.That is an unrealistic point of view with zero I repeat zero evidence that is the goal of Russia.

[@mateuszbuczko1627]

As a Putinist shill, that's exactly what he's proposing.

[@somekindaguy100]

@@mateuszbuczko1627 nonsense , evidence says otherwise

[@worldcitizen5]

This man is the personification of Western Academia decay.

[@bitsandbobs4082]

The poor level of Intelligence provided by the various agencies is seen in the statements made like the ruble would be rumble or Ursulas remarks that Russia was taking all the chips from washing machines and their economy was in tatters, our intel is terrible totally unrieable. Just listen to questions which are as ever all about the strawman still

[@RelationalDatabase-us7fr]

So why is Russia struggling for tank, Infantry fighting vehicles and artillery?

[@monrow1961]

I think the point is that they are struggling less than Ukraine, not that they are not struggling.

[@hamonryechinaski180]

It isn't. It's producing many, many more than UK, EU and US put together. Its heavy industry runs 24/7 and it has the energy to do it. Its also updating old platforms like T72/80/90. It's dominating in shells, manpower and materiel.

[@nish0905]

USA was fighting defenseless countries for many years and what happened

[@Maruwasa]

Most troubling is the persistent idea that the west or the east are influencing and must influence others - what about just respecting the right of all men and women to choose what government they want. Whether you like it or not. It’s really simple

[@marscruz]

That's the difference between being motivated by morals or being motivated by greed.

[@gintasvilkelis2544]

Yeh, tell that to Putin!

[@thebuzzard8044]

Great conversation. Root cause of many conflicts around the world is US policy of promoting their version of democracy and liberalism.

[@SpectatorTV]

Thank you!

[@bobhiggins4276]

Not liberal democracy in the US, but capitalism dominating, increasingly, a limited, tattered democratic system. Unchecked capitalism with a fig leaf of limited democracy is what is being exported.

[@Roruoni]

The Georgian "Pro Russia" Law is modelled after the US's FARA legislation. It's only pro Russian if non-russians are funding NGOs in Georgia. Fpor that matter is also requires Russian NGOs to reveal their funding. I guess The Host knows far more western money goes into politics.

[@redaerf2b414]

Ukraine had no means to maintain nuclear weapons. It had sold out 3/4 of its conventional weapons during independence because it had no money to keep it running.

[@joyelliott3192]

I am glad prof Mearshimer is not in charge. I vote for John Bolton. Esculation! Pshaww!!

[@ady9830]

Note how mearsheimer says "we" with regard to the war ie it's a US war.

[@alexdetrojan4534]

'We' as the West...

[@alexsong3597]

Love john’s note on liberalism and it’s clear the west has lost their grip on this fundamental principle.