Masha Gessen Discusses How to Read Vladimir Putin

On October 21, 2016, Russian and American journalist Masha Gessen spoke at West Point about how the West should understand Vladimir Putin, his intentions, and Russia under his leadership. The event was organized by the Modern War Institute.

[@christinalydia]

Gessen is such a bright logical knowledgeable mind. Love all her talks. She explains it so well that everyone gets an insight.

[@greenman1411]

Such a pity that we can't hear the questions and comments from the audience properly.

[@HaoSci]

@35:40 She was like, where is my cup???

[@williamyoung9401]

You had ONE job to do...leave water out for your guest...how many pushups is that? =P

[@christinamuzzu6414]

Gessen's in-depth explanation starting at Min. 15.40 about the famous "promise" being ONLY about NATO not placing bases in East Germany is so important. Frightening how often it has been twisted to seem to mean something else, in July of 2023 even by RFK, now a presidential candidate.

[@williamyoung9401]

Were those first three seconds really necessary? And no closed captions? o_O Masha is prophetic. I love how she says, "Why do you think that the population doesn't share the expansionist mentality?" 😅

[@johnkendal5562]

Why the heck did they steal her cup???

[@enegron6987]

I think it was the officers cup who introduced her and she thought it was for her. I thought, how bizarre and realized he probably drank from it before she poured her water into it is probably why he took it away

[@lopezb]

I'm impressed: She's very smart, extremely knowledgeable and an excellent explainer. Americans (and others) need to hear this to become informed. This is basic information for the crazy world we live in, especially given the Trump-Russia story. Her comments about RT seem right on target. I have liked a lot of their programming, but that doesn't contradict at all what she is saying. And I had a friend from Georgia and know that the people there were not annexed of their own free will, they were invaded and feel oppressed by that. This was right before the election; I wonder if after the inauguration she will ever be invited back? Scary thoughts....

[@BrettHar123]

You only believe this woman because you have already made up your mind. Which people in Georgia were annexed? You mean the ones in Abkhasia who were told there was a cease fire and then Saakashvili shelled the crap out of the city, killing hundreds of civilians and Russian peacekeepers?

[@bindercolman5265]

Thank you for this incredibly nuanced talk.

[@TheDavidColantoni]

and another question , what did you think about the Snowden declaration about NSA ? thank you

[@idicula1979]

There is certainly a double standerd. I think we in the U.S assume we have the right to question and don't. Simply because that it is enshrined in the constitution, but that right has atrophied for som time. Obama's drones, Bush 43 dissision to go to Iraq and him and Cheaney starting this war on terror after missing the obvious clues on 9/ 11 ( some will say they let it happen). All this and much more. That is why Trump got elected because the pacification that Hillary Clinton would have given us is not what we need. Make America great again meant electing Trump, but now it mean demonstrating and protesting that sunburn shitshow that is what Americe needs. America needs a reset the kind of reset that power does not yield to, but can only come from its people.

[@lopezb]

Snowden has never betrayed the US; he didn't want to end up in Russia but the US gave him no choice. For Putin just his existence there is a huge propaganda victory, as it makes Russia look good to the American left.

[@jessebarlow1277]

Excellent talk.

[@palmerstonpictures]

Masha is amaazing!! One of the best journalists working today

[@sirlordhenrymortimer6620]

David Viaene she's shithead.

[@davidlewisjohnson4235]

Learn how to use English properly and then go spend a decade studying political science and history. Then, you can come back here and attempt to articulate an opinion. You're completely out of your league here.

[@TheDavidColantoni]

i am curios , what did you think about Drone strike that have kill thausand of civil people with out to give them the rigth of defense ? thank you.

[@benjaminodonnell258]

ZOON POLITIKON DAVID COLANTONI Whataboutery.

[@candycoat5109]

drone the white house the pentigon and all the corrupt hi jackers of our country , they are out of control , they make me so sick , Puttin is a great leader for his country and the only one with common sense and humanity for the common people peace

[@davidlewisjohnson4235]

Cool story, Boris.

[@markofsaltburn]

You’re welcome, dear.

[@joandenisewanner6482]

The 100 th anniversary of Our Lady' s Appearance at Fatima will be celebrated 8/15/17 Pray for Peace.

[@theredscourge]

uh uh uh

[@kazkk2321]

Putin’s nostalgia for the return of the Soviet Union is justified. I would have done the same and would not have been able to forgive and forget the humiliation and fragmentation of such a mighty empire. The sane goes for Germany

[@thesilkpainter]

@Kazkk: Bullshit. That's just typical for losers, who can't make their country actually great. He had a shitty start, yes. Did he have to content with assholes in this kind of job? Yes. Should he get respect for now ruining his country? Hell, no. Take it from a German.

[@kamtschatka100]

dura

[@HaoSci]

Ouch, diplomats drugged? Maybe US should have closed its embassy in Russia, then.

[@humberto6219]

Z 🇷🇺🇷🇺🇷🇺🇷🇺🇷🇺 Z

[@wojtekjj1803]

The most incredible journalist. Queen of lies and defamation

[@johnprentice277]

Go back to the troll farm.

[@PeepersT]

Tough. She was right.

[@cale115]

Is that a woman?

[@amandaf1]

Are you an idiot? Yep!

[@markofsaltburn]

Is this a Russian teenager in a remand home writing prepared trolling for $0.50 an hour?