Putin's Invasion of Ukraine Salon | Ray McGovern, John Mearsheimer

To a hammer, everything looks like a nail. To an empire, everything looks like a crisis to justify a multi-trillion-dollar military-industrial-security complex as dictatress of the world. The crisis du jour for the American empire is Russia‘s aggression against Ukraine. The political establishment and the mainstream media assign responsibility to President Putin’s megalomaniac ambition to recreate the Soviet empire. The Committee welcomes Ray McGovern and John Mearsheimer as a breath of fresh air. They shoulder the United States with a fair share of the blame: the never-ending expansion of NATO cheek by jowl to Russian borders provoked the invasion ( • Bill Bradley on Russia... ); Russia fears nuclear weapons on its borders as more menacing than the Cuban Missile Crisis was to the United States. Ray and John will offer some thoughts regarding how to bury the hatchet and move forward. We all look forward to what we know will be a robust discussion.
John Mearsheimer returns for the third time as a salon speaker. We hosted John for his trenchant analysis of the abject failure our quest for global dominance and for his courageous book with Steve Walt on the liability of American support for Israel. John is the R. Wendell Harrison Distinguished Service Professor of Political Science at the University of Chicago, where he has taught since 1982. He graduated from West Point (1970), has a PhD in political science from Cornell University (1981), and has written extensively about security issues and international politics. In 2003, he was elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and in 2020, he won the James Madison Award, given by the American Political Science Association to “an American political scientist who has made a distinguished scholarly contribution to political science.” His principal work on Ukraine is “Why the Ukraine Crisis Is the West’s Fault: The Liberal Delusions That Provoked Putin,” appearing in September-October Foreign Affairs 2014. The video of his talk has been viewed more than 14 million times: • Why is Ukraine the Wes... .
Ray McGovern is a long-time Russian specialist. After serving as an Army combat intelligence officer in the early 60s, Ray joined the CIA’s analyst ranks. His first portfolio focused on the Sino-Soviet conflict, which was deftly exploited by Nixon/Kissinger (with more than just interpreter assistance from our own Chas Freeman). As chief of the Soviet Foreign Policy Branch, Ray’s analytical team supported the SALT negotiations and he was in Moscow for the signing of the ABM Treaty, cornerstone of strategic stability for the next three decades. Ray correctly predicted Brezhnev's invasion of Czechoslovakia but incorrectly predicted Putin would not invade Ukraine. Ray thinks the new Russia-China entente helps explain Putin's gamble. See Ray's website raymcgovern.com/ and posts on antiwar.com/

[@melsaloj5778]

The popularity of this discussion and other videos of Prof. Mearsheimer signals that people are independently seeking answers rather than merely relying on what the mainstream media say.

[@valherustinger7848]

Yes its encouraging knowing people are actually out there searching for answers outside what we are being fed by Mainstream media.

[@nataliagirbu4885]

But there are so few of those

[@frankyhonnolus5528]

I hope you’re right but most people are clueless and brainwashed.

[@IchiroSakamoto]

Shame there're forces out there to smear Prof.M's name and label him as Russian apologist. Once the media gave you a label, your name is tarnished for good.

[@Stop-and-listen]

@@frankyhonnolus5528 Come to Texas; zionist fanatics run this place. They are so ignorant; they think only in religious terms. Ignorance is a blessing for the zionist monster.

[@user-bz9sj8mh5d]

I lived in Ukraine for 7 years (2013 - 2020). I happened to be in Kiev for a week during the Maidan protests, and was in Donetsk when the civil war broke out there, so I had a front row seat to many of the events that happened that have led up to this current situation. The experience of seeing the narrative of the mainstream media not matching the reality on the ground completely and irreversibly broke my trust in anything they say. I'm glad there's still people who can tell the objective truth about the reality of geopolitics in Eastern Europe without being completely cancelled. Unfortunately I have little faith that it'll remain that way. At least for now, listen to this and get the truth before it's too late.

[@humongoushugo6986]

I would love to believe you, but without evidence I just can't. Can you let me know of some concrete examples of how distorted/ innacurate the coverage has been from your own experience of the situation?

[@user-bz9sj8mh5d]

@@humongoushugo6986 The biggest one would be the western media either downplaying or outright denying the influence of extreme right-wing neo-nazis on the current situation. Never mind the fact that Zelensky is a Jew, that has little bearing on it. In fact, shortly after his election the extreme elements were talking about how to depose him in favor of a more right-wing president. Furthermore, the right-wing paramilitary groups that sprang up in the wake of the Donbass crisis have been a prickly situation in themselves, with many being almost as much of a menace to the Ukrainian government as they are to the separatists in Donbass. I simply don't know how any journalists who have spent time in Ukraine doing their jobs can try to deny their influence or even existence, as they're hardly a secret. They've been quite prominent ever since the Maidan protests, and were largely responsible for helping to turn those violent, despite what the media reported on the matter. As for proof, I'm sorry but I didn't feel like risking my life by opening filming them during the times I personally encountered them (on the flip side, I felt the same way as this when I encountered separatists and Russian mercs in Donetsk), but I'm hardly the only eye-witness to them that you'll find online.

[@humongoushugo6986]

@@user-bz9sj8mh5d Tim, thank you for your comments and I appreciate that you took the time to make them. I am well aware of the structural involvement of neo-nazi groups in the Ukrainian government and I have seen ample evidence to support such claims. What you say about these groups talking about replacing Zelensky is new to me though. I can well imagine to be true but it would be even more damningly so if you had any links to articles or sites or anything where these are mentioned, even if they are in Russian or Ukrainian. I understand your concern about personally documenting these issues, for sure, but even just giving an example of a specific incident you witnessed is important in building a case against the distorted narrative in the west. I understand I'm placing a burden of proof on your shoulders, but the sad thing is that in the quagmire of info that's out there, detailed accounts of specific things are hugely valuable.

[@humongoushugo6986]

@Alena - Thank you for these links, Alena, I will look into them. Can I encourage you to spread them further? Unless one is already aware of these channels, I feel like it's super hard to find any mention of them in all the news/info regarding Ukraine.

[@Law24809905]

@@humongoushugo6986 kzbin.info/www/bejne/a5-4i5ihf5ijnK8 Watch this analysis then tell me if lack of media coverage, hasn't been a major factor in this corruption being allowed to happen.

[@homayounshirazi9550]

Ever since I first heard about Dr, Mearsheimer and later his analysis of geopolitical events over the last 20 years, I have come to appreciate the delicacy of international events and their impact on average people. It is like having no eyesight and then getting a pair of glasses with which a more focused image has become possible. Thank you all for giving eye-sight to an 80 year old!

[@beatrizward9878]

I really love these gentlemen. Thank you for hosting them. They are true sages in presentations.

[@inspiration-yx9rh]

Finally some independent thoughts without any extreme russophobia

[@Frannie12]

Also see The Greyzone on KZbin.

[@suzukimasako18]

I also recommend 'Ukraine : Masks of the revolution' to get some more background information on some of Putins statements. Ukraine tried to cancel this French documentary from the internet because it doesn't fit the their narrative. Political figures like Joe Biden shaking hands with the leader of the Ukranian neo nazi's puts everything in a different light for me.

[@heaven7360]

I've been hearing that since I was old enough to observe politics....I'd say around 1958 (anti Russian "sentiment")

[@maiii7733]

@@suzukimasako18 thanks for the info, I'll definitely watch it

[@cryptarisprotocol1872]

@@suzukimasako18 Azov Battalion and Right National is shooting any non-Ukrainian civilian for not being Ukrainian and killing any Ukrainian civilian that tries to flee the war like a refugee for not picking up a gun and fighting the Russians. This group is bonkers but is funded by Western tax dollars.

[@winkstorm]

Don’t forget, “to be an enemy of the US is dangerous, to be a friend is fatal.” Yes, Ukraine is the ultimate loser no matter what.

[@theonly6359]

Perfect quote.

[@James-Campbell]

Are you watching Taiwan??

[@jaspurc933]

So true and so sad that it Washington is like this because the American people are not.

[@merlinm7977]

Our ( people) Enemy is US Government. I know that since few years. It has nothing to do with American People , they even don’t know it. I‘m from Germany.

[@Mr196710]

@@merlinm7977 You meant to say the parasitic Grabblers who own our politicians?

[@MrVellot]

To tell the trues - I'm shocked. Because I did not expect that someone in the USA will ever say something like that. This man have balls, really. I can imagine "how much shit will be poured into his garden". Today from all west sources you can hear only one point of view. No one cares why really this has started. And I doubt that something like this will ever be on any of the WEST official media channels. I do not support this war, but I totally understand the reason. And it is sad, that Ukraine was just a pawn in a big game of the USA. Mr. John, you have my respect. Hello from Latvia.

[@ellybelly_4]

Россия вас слышит. Спасибо вам за это видео. Дай Бог здоровья и долгих лет жизни. Мир всем людям 🙏🇷🇺

[@borisbukalov9407]

Путлер капут!

[@lordsupreme666]

Слава России 🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@falkonerr]

I thought Mearsheimer's argument was quite weak. Mearsheimer's "Appease the gorilla", "go along to get along", "might makes right" and "morality doesn't have anything to do with it" are argument's that enablers, sympathizers, geldings, war profiteers, soldiers, fascists and Nazi's used to support Hitler. History has been less than kind to them. These arguments of "morality doesn't have anything to do with it", are the same arguments used in all other unjustified wars of the past. It's a regurgitation of history. And history matters. How did Russia become the world's largest nation by area to begin with? How did the U.S.S.R. end up with the first 7 states that broke away in 89'? The spoils of war through Russian aggression. They called it the Warsaw pact as a counter to NATO, but it was an exercise of Russian control of the governments of these nations that led to it. I will remind readers, these nations have less than 1% Russian speaking people with no Russian culture. The 15 states that broke away in 90' and 91' had at most, less than 20% Russian speaking people, most of them in single digits. How did these states become a part of Russia? By Russian aggression and expansion through war. If we look back in history, we will see a pattern of Russia invading nations, controlling their governments, destroying cities, slaughtering those who remain and moving in their own people to take over the land. The pattern is there. This war isn't about NATO, it's about a Russian leader who has the inner circle political support to reclaim the old Soviet empire through war efforts and a leader who is willing to do what it takes to make that happen. What lengths is Putin willing to go to? Within 2 years of taking control of Russia, Putin bombed through spy agencies his own people as a false flag pretext to invade Chechyna: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russian_apartment_bombings en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_Chechen_War en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Grozny_(1999%E2%80%932000) The city of Grozny is highly important to understand the fate of Ukraine. Chechen declared independence fighting Yeltsin to a stalemate from 94' to 96'. In 99', Grozny was leveled to the ground. There were 50,000 that likely couldn't leave. They were slaughtered under Putin's orders. There were around 1,000 rebels that remained and Russia gave them a choice. "Leave or die, we just want the city but you have to leave within 24 hrs at a corridor we've mapped out for you". The Russians led them into a minefield and slaughtered them. Is any of this sounding familiar, especially so with the cities near eastern Russian borders? Defectors are not his people, they are subjects to be controlled at best and at worst traitors to be eliminated. One has to be Godless to make these kinds of choices. Godless, and mentally unwell. The Putin of today is the Putin of yesterday. This is the leader Mearsheimer suggests Ukraine should make peace and close ties with. Is that realistic at this point? Was it ever realistic? It makes sense if one has the same logic as the supporters of Hitler back in the day right, or any other tyrant in history. To the rest... not so much. Just ask yourselves how this will end for the Russian people now. We are witness not to the mere destruction of Ukraine or tightened grip on the other 14 who defected from Russia in 90' and 91', but we are also witness to the destruction of Russia in a large sense as they regress to a nation of 30+ years ago economically, socially, politically... The best word I can use to describe Putin is, "SLAVER". Remember this description the next time we read words from the Mearsheimer's of the world suggesting we "appease the gorilla", "go along to get along" and "might is right" or "morality doesn't matter". What Mearsheimer's choice boils down to, what he's really trying to talk Ukrainians into and changing U.S. support for, is Ukraine's willing slavery to an old Soviet empire. Remember, its right that makes true might and always will be. Jesus understood this. So did his father. If we are looking for righteousness, we should too. If readers are looking for an answer with a sentence, try this one: "if one can't live with it, then it's likely worth the risk of one's life in opposing it." Examples of this might be , an act of murder or an example like addiction. In Ukraine's case, its the same example as Hitler's: the examples of slavery and crimes of war. I continue to read comments that clearly come from people who don't know Russian history. What readers may not know or for some conveniently forget, is that Russia was initially an ally of Nazi Germany. Russia was a part of Poland's invasion at the beginning of WWII. Russia declared war on Finland and took over some land and took over the Baltic states in 1940 through war. Russia ended up negotiating to take over the 7 satellite states with armies 60 km's from the German border. Russia essentially strong armed for control of the 7 satellite states that left in 89' and took earlier control of the 15 states that separated in 1990 and 1991, through war before and following WW1. When I read comments that agree with Mearsheimer's narrow world view of Russia, Mearsheimer himself conveniently forgets Russia's history as an aggressor nation that expanded to it's heyday of the U.S.S.R. through war. History past and present largely suggests that they haven't changed. Commenters should take the time to read history before some of them choose to defend Russia and Russia's current invasion of Ukraine. Without a doubt, Russia is an aggressor nation that became the size that it was through war. Just read it for yourselves: smarthistories.com/soviet-russia/

[@sueelliott8085]

Well there we have it. This isn’t harmless debate.

[@sammiller7612]

@@falkonerr Dont you think that America is also being an agrossor promoting democracy to the whole world? Don't you think the actions of America to establish democracy and its ideology being agressive? Why America can defend its borders (monroe doctrine) and Russia can't? Why Russia should view politics and its strategic action through morality and America can develop its independency and world domination by any means?

[@danaworkman2565]

This is so important to me, as an American, to understand what’s really going on in Europe. It disgusts me, when I see every western publication parroting nonsense, and our leaders pushing policies that seem to be maximizing chances of nuclear war while we effectively sign Ukraine’s death warrant. It’s so frustrating to know the truth sometimes. But thanks to John, and everyone else here who understands what’s really going on, and isn’t afraid to speak up against our own country’s propaganda. It’s a bit of light in a lot of darkness:)

[@cryptarisprotocol1872]

The truths displayed here by Mearsheimer would be more tolerable to me and people of similar mindset if we weren't outnumbered 1,000,000 to 1 by jingoistic idiots marching us to nuclear Holocaust like daft dunces.

[@Simonet1309]

@@cryptarisprotocol1872 truth is truth. How ‘tolerable’ it is is irrelevant.

[@moonlandingagain3228]

The United States should attack Cuba now, it has their full right to as it can and is a threat to America's future

[@clever_mag_smart5655]

@@moonlandingagain3228 ???

[@daqiansun7944]

@888 NumberofthePriest Well, let's count the countries that put sanctions on Russia: The five eyes, most European countries, Japan, South Korea and Singapore. That's it. All close US allies. 10% of world's population. No African and Latin American countries. No Asian countries except ones with US military bases.

[@mariamamatuni_psycholgy]

"the US will fight Russia till the last Ukrainian" brilliant Very important and informative talk. This must be watched by our foreign policy makers. Thank you for sharing it!

[@rosesandsongs21]

It actually comes from WW2 when Churchill said he was willing to fight Hitler to the last Russian.

[@vlad3192]

The real casus belli in this matter is only putin's will to conquer and geopolitical ambitions. Thus he can do whatever he wants if US and NATO alliance are just a bunch of cowards. If you want to help Ukraine you need to ask your government to start a real support for the brave Ukrainian army: Close the airspace over Ukraine and full embargo of russian gas and oil. Mad-dog-putin could be stopped earlier in 2014-2015 if civilized world was more strong.

[@chrism415]

aka, ''The US will fight Russia down to the last European;'" The Europeans have been led to the slaughter, volunteered by Ursula. Meanwhile, the media whips up fear and frenzy, just like Covid. People should look deeper beneath world affairs to see the lowlife scum who are directing our lives.

[@rosesandsongs21]

@@chrism415 Exactly, they are clearly trying to manipulate public opinion and it is so obvious, I have a hard time inderstanding why so many people fall for it so easily. Anyway, I will remain skeptical, western media cannot be trusted anymore.

[@Simonet1309]

@@vlad3192 I’m pretty sure your argument is total nonsense. Its always the same. When an enemy appears they are labeled as mad, expansionist, Hitler, gangster, terrorist etc etc. Putin is none of these. The west on the other hand…..

[@diaaahmadieh1701]

First time I hear western people analyze objectively without being biased to their government policy. Very interesting.

[@lennyztrobos8678]

John Mearsheimer likened Russia with a mindless gorilla. I would´nt call that unbiased. More like extremely cynical. He mentions encouraging democracy in Ukraine being a problem because the people might elect western-leaning politicians, which would then lead to a violent reaction from Russia. In other words , Russia is a cave man on a buss. That´s f***d up.

[@nintsip]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/lXLOco1_oJxmfJI Watch this and then decide who’s fault is everything… why don’t you think about humans who are willing to escape from this dark machine:(

[@nintsip]

@-The_ Emperor- kzbin.info/www/bejne/lXLOco1_oJxmfJI

[@diaaahmadieh1701]

@@lennyztrobos8678 well, honestly, I dont care about Russia and Putin if they are like a mindless gorilla or not , my point of view is about their approach in analyzing this conflict. In the Middle East we used to hear no matter what are the circumstances that the western along with their allies are angels and all the rest are evils who deserve to be slaughtered by any means.

[@deltoidable]

That's a typical Political Science and International Relations academic discussion, in any Western university. Not that these academics have much influence over public opinion. Mearsheimer represents the realism theory of international relations, a theory that has generally proved correct for 3000 years. Realism has a cynical and bleak look at international relations, but it's undeniably useful for understanding how it works.

[@butterfly8470]

I love the way Mr. John Mearsheimer explains the history and current events. I listen to as many talks from him as I can. So sad that the majority of people really are not interested in the truth. Thank you so much.

[@peorakef]

like the "nazis in ukraine" thing, right?

[@lettucetim]

@@peorakef correct.

[@Gojimaru]

@@peorakef except even bbc covered the neo nazi movements in ukraine years ago

[@peorakef]

@@Gojimaru except most people are able to differentiate groups within a country with the country itself. its a very easy distinction actually. BBC also covered the neo nazi movements in russia. would you call putin a neo nazi? i invite you to.

[@peorakef]

@@lettucetim glad to see you admit there are 150k neo nazis in ukraine right now.

[@virvoda4529]

John Mershmeier is the first american i hear speaking about Russia who actually gets what Russia is about.

[@serenakoh136]

*Mearsheimer

[@darkwalker3743]

He is just speaking more truth to us. The government just lies.

[@2mek99]

He is totally wrong and does not understand.

[@s_fashionlover]

Tulsi Gabbard does as well but Hilary Clinton labeled her a Russian Apologist and the media ran with it.

[@simp1eone]

No not just him, search Stephen Cohen too

[@emilv.3693]

Good to know there are still people in this world who have the guts to cover this situation without falling to emotion...

[@thomasvandevelde8157]

Yes, because Emotions and Nuclear Weapons combine Oh so Perfectly éh.... ;-)

[@Utuber-hk9xj]

'Falling to emotion', so many people are, this is what empowers the propaganda on so many issues!

[@emilv.3693]

@@thomasvandevelde8157 what I mean is looking at the situation objectively without any "think of the children" stuff

[@emilv.3693]

@@Utuber-hk9xj ^

[@wurcowejcif9664]

Because these people are high scholars. Not some rift rafts..

[@masterm9095]

I really enjoyed this. Imagine this on CNN. John, you are the best!

[@kanamasai5194]

At approx 1:22:00 (in this video) all of a sudden I feel that a light is switched on, an air of knowledge is breathed into the discussion in an easy to understand way. So clear, so succint and with conviction. Thank you John Mearsheimer.

[@andrewareva4605]

Waiting for the first Mearsheimer talk after the Russian invasion. Lol. I was searching youtube every 12 hours.

[@jascforfun7576]

Same here, especially since he predicted this in 2015. I was wondering if he was going to say "I told you so"

[@tajamlikha7853]

Same....here

[@aby110]

Same. There's an information war happening on the internet currently trying to obfuscate any criticism of the west's past foreign policies and it's disturbing to see.

[@kashdiscovers1050]

Same the guys an oracle

[@donnazukadley7300]

@@jascforfun7576 The University of Chicago " Why Ukraine is the West's Fault " KZbin video John Mearsheimer 6 years ago

[@joshuavanderplaats]

Absolutely blows my mind that the students of UOC wish to cancel Prof Measheimer. I call down so much shame upon them. This information is so important for the possibility of peace.

[@Stop-and-listen]

It is the Zionists at the UOC that want to cancel him. The Same in most universities in the USA for anyone criticizing Israel.

[@Fahmbo]

Israel lobby is powerful, but selfish and meiopic.

[@nathanfranks1476]

Actually, they are ukranians

[@jlpowell51]

The "feelings" team always want to cancel people on team realism.

[@itsnadaaaa]

The neoliberals try to cancel anyone and everyone who challenges their point of view

[@just4me476]

So much respect for Professor John Mearsheimer. I don’t want to see people like him age 🥺 they are the treasure to human civilization.

[@blazodeolireta]

another one like him was Chalmer Johnson. (my opinion, correct me if it is wrong!)

[@just4me476]

@@blazodeolireta thank you, I will check him out. I felt bad for not mentioning the other scholars who also speak in this video because the day when I left the comment I only had time to watch the part where professor Mearsheimer was speaking. They all have my utmost respect for speaking out the objective truth!

[@mbchudno]

i am surprized he is not canceled by bigtech yet... :( somehow they missed non-propaganda video on a YT :)

[@vz6365]

Respect him. But he’s not on the right side of human course. Ppl matter. Ukrainians’ will expressed in their election. They choose someone who vowed to lead them to a freer and safer world. Their will matter, in international relations, esp. in an age of connection that is beyond traditional international theories.

[@-morrow]

His analysis is emotional, heavily biased and factually wrong in many cases. It's an apologetic piece for the invasion of a sovereign, democratic country. Disgusting how you people cheer for it.

[@Shadow_kit4903]

This outlines a highly rational and plausible breakdown of why we are in this mess and how we got here, extracted out from the usual distorting mirror of party politics. John Mearsheimer in particular is very persuasive in his analysis.

[@ocrajoe3057]

Im pretty sure, it’s the facts, and not biased predictions, forced on us by the spin doctors in Mass Media…

[@falkonerr]

I thought Mearsheimer's argument was quite weak. Mearsheimer's "Appease the gorilla", "go along to get along", "might makes right" and "morality doesn't have anything to do with it" are argument's that enablers, sympathizers, geldings, war profiteers, soldiers, fascists and Nazi's used to support Hitler. History has been less than kind to them. These arguments of "morality doesn't have anything to do with it", are the same arguments used in all other unjustified wars of the past. It's a regurgitation of history. And history matters. How did Russia become the world's largest nation by area to begin with? How did the U.S.S.R. end up with the first 7 states that broke away in 89'? The spoils of war through Russian aggression. They called it the Warsaw pact as a counter to NATO, but it was an exercise of Russian control of the governments of these nations that led to it. I will remind readers, these nations have less than 1% Russian speaking people with no Russian culture. The 15 states that broke away in 90' and 91' had at most, less than 20% Russian speaking people, most of them in single digits. How did these states become a part of Russia? By Russian aggression and expansion through war. If we look back in history, we will see a pattern of Russia invading nations, controlling their governments, destroying cities, slaughtering those who remain and moving in their own people to take over the land. The pattern is there. This war isn't about NATO, it's about a Russian leader who has the inner circle political support to reclaim the old Soviet empire through war efforts and a leader who is willing to do what it takes to make that happen. What lengths is Putin willing to go to? Within 2 years of taking control of Russia, Putin bombed through spy agencies his own people as a false flag pretext to invade Chechyna: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russian_apartment_bombings en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_Chechen_War en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Grozny_(1999%E2%80%932000) The city of Grozny is highly important to understand the fate of Ukraine. Chechen declared independence fighting Yeltsin to a stalemate from 94' to 96'. In 99', Grozny was leveled to the ground. There were 50,000 that likely couldn't leave. They were slaughtered under Putin's orders. There were around 1,000 rebels that remained and Russia gave them a choice. "Leave or die, we just want the city but you have to leave within 24 hrs at a corridor we've mapped out for you". The Russians led them into a minefield and slaughtered them. Is any of this sounding familiar, especially so with the cities near eastern Russian borders? Defectors are not his people, they are subjects to be controlled at best and at worst traitors to be eliminated. One has to be Godless to make these kinds of choices. Godless, and mentally unwell. The Putin of today is the Putin of yesterday. This is the leader Mearsheimer suggests Ukraine should make peace and close ties with. Is that realistic at this point? Was it ever realistic? It makes sense if one has the same logic as the supporters of Hitler back in the day right, or any other tyrant in history. To the rest... not so much. Just ask yourselves how this will end for the Russian people now. We are witness not to the mere destruction of Ukraine or tightened grip on the other 14 who defected from Russia in 90' and 91', but we are also witness to the destruction of Russia in a large sense as they regress to a nation of 30+ years ago economically, socially, politically... The best word I can use to describe Putin is, "SLAVER". Remember this description the next time we read words from the Mearsheimer's of the world suggesting we "appease the gorilla", "go along to get along" and "might is right" or "morality doesn't matter". What Mearsheimer's choice boils down to, what he's really trying to talk Ukrainians into and changing U.S. support for, is Ukraine's willing slavery to an old Soviet empire. Remember, its right that makes true might and always will be. Jesus understood this. So did his father. If we are looking for righteousness, we should too. If readers are looking for an answer with a sentence, try this one: "if one can't live with it, then it's likely worth the risk of one's life in opposing it." Examples of this might be , an act of murder or an example like addiction. In Ukraine's case, its the same example as Hitler's: the examples of slavery and crimes of war. I continue to read comments that clearly come from people who don't know Russian history. What readers may not know or for some conveniently forget, is that Russia was initially an ally of Nazi Germany. Russia was a part of Poland's invasion at the beginning of WWII. Russia declared war on Finland and took over some land and took over the Baltic states in 1940 through war. Russia ended up negotiating to take over the 7 satellite states with armies 60 km's from the German border. Russia essentially strong armed for control of the 7 satellite states that left in 89' and took earlier control of the 15 states that separated in 1990 and 1991, through war before and following WW1. When I read comments that agree with Mearsheimer's narrow world view of Russia, Mearsheimer himself conveniently forgets Russia's history as an aggressor nation that expanded to it's heyday of the U.S.S.R. through war. History past and present largely suggests that they haven't changed. Commenters should take the time to read history before some of them choose to defend Russia and Russia's current invasion of Ukraine. Without a doubt, Russia is an aggressor nation that became the size that it was through war. Just read it for yourselves: smarthistories.com/soviet-russia/

[@ocrajoe3057]

@@falkonerr TLDR

[@falkonerr]

@@ocrajoe3057 the truth is hard to digest

[@ocrajoe3057]

@@falkonerr Not discounting truths. Just didn’t read it. I’m more concerned with recent history and our untold involvement in Ukraine and Russia…

[@abdullah.a.nahyan]

Professor is talking straight on realpolitik without appealing to emotion 👍

[@afropoet]

Just brilliant the Prof is

[@irettx1394]

Exactly! No emotional manipulation, just straight facts

[@MariyaHuanna]

I'm from Russia. I want to thank you for such a great talk! I was in shock about all that happened on February 24. And for twelve days I was trying to get as much information as possible. I was reading and watching Russian, Ukrainian, US, EU media: official and not. And these twelve days totally changed my way of thinking. It's awful how many lies and fakes there are. I didn't get it before. All previous years I was supporting all opposition views which was in some way developing in our country. But now I clearly see that people are totally brainwashed. Not only in Russia, but in the west as well. There's is no discussions like yours in all of these media. But there's a lot of hate. Some US authorities even says that someone need to assassinate Putin. It's insane! It's a nonsense how all west tolerance failed under the attack of media. I really hope we all go through this well. I hope people in the future would be able to get more adequate information from media. We all need an honest dialogue. In current situation all the lies translating around and all the silence around previous historical issues are making everything worse.

[@chenshe1227]

I can totally understand how you feel, as a Chinese living in Australia.

[@Shmelya1989]

Also from Russia.. absolute same feelings - TOTAL shock on the 24th of febr.

[@sirshendu2e01]

@@MnAngrydad time for VPN?

[@MariyaHuanna]

@@MnAngrydad you're wrong

[@sirshendu2e01]

@@MnAngrydad that's sad man. Internet's generally trash, but KZbin's a blessing

[@blackwolfemperor6190]

Professor John Mearsheimer thank you for your profound insight into the crisis.. The world desperately needs your wisdom more than ever at this point in time of our human history. we are very very close to ending it. The conventional understanding of this crisis could doom us all.

[@falkonerr]

I thought Mearsheimer's argument was quite weak. Mearsheimer's "Appease the gorilla", "go along to get along", "might makes right" and "morality doesn't have anything to do with it" are argument's that enablers, sympathizers, geldings, war profiteers, soldiers, fascists and Nazi's used to support Hitler. History has been less than kind to them. These arguments of "morality doesn't have anything to do with it", are the same arguments used in all other unjustified wars of the past. It's a regurgitation of history. And history matters. How did Russia become the world's largest nation by area to begin with? How did the U.S.S.R. end up with the first 7 states that broke away in 89'? The spoils of war through Russian aggression. They called it the Warsaw pact as a counter to NATO, but it was an exercise of Russian control of the governments of these nations that led to it. I will remind readers, these nations have less than 1% Russian speaking people with no Russian culture. The 15 states that broke away in 90' and 91' had at most, less than 20% Russian speaking people, most of them in single digits. How did these states become a part of Russia? By Russian aggression and expansion through war. If we look back in history, we will see a pattern of Russia invading nations, controlling their governments, destroying cities, slaughtering those who remain and moving in their own people to take over the land. The pattern is there. This war isn't about NATO, it's about a Russian leader who has the inner circle political support to reclaim the old Soviet empire through war efforts and a leader who is willing to do what it takes to make that happen. What lengths is Putin willing to go to? Within 2 years of taking control of Russia, Putin bombed through spy agencies his own people as a false flag pretext to invade Chechyna: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russian_apartment_bombings en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_Chechen_War en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Grozny_(1999%E2%80%932000) The city of Grozny is highly important to understand the fate of Ukraine. Chechen declared independence fighting Yeltsin to a stalemate from 94' to 96'. In 99', Grozny was leveled to the ground. There were 50,000 that likely couldn't leave. They were slaughtered under Putin's orders. There were around 1,000 rebels that remained and Russia gave them a choice. "Leave or die, we just want the city but you have to leave within 24 hrs at a corridor we've mapped out for you". The Russians led them into a minefield and slaughtered them. Is any of this sounding familiar, especially so with the cities near eastern Russian borders? Defectors are not his people, they are subjects to be controlled at best and at worst traitors to be eliminated. One has to be Godless to make these kinds of choices. Godless, and mentally unwell. The Putin of today is the Putin of yesterday. This is the leader Mearsheimer suggests Ukraine should make peace and close ties with. Is that realistic at this point? Was it ever realistic? It makes sense if one has the same logic as the supporters of Hitler back in the day right, or any other tyrant in history. To the rest... not so much. Just ask yourselves how this will end for the Russian people now. We are witness not to the mere destruction of Ukraine or tightened grip on the other 14 who defected from Russia in 90' and 91', but we are also witness to the destruction of Russia in a large sense as they regress to a nation of 30+ years ago economically, socially, politically... The best word I can use to describe Putin is, "SLAVER". Remember this description the next time we read words from the Mearsheimer's of the world suggesting we "appease the gorilla", "go along to get along" and "might is right" or "morality doesn't matter". What Mearsheimer's choice boils down to, what he's really trying to talk Ukrainians into and changing U.S. support for, is Ukraine's willing slavery to an old Soviet empire. Remember, its right that makes true might and always will be. Jesus understood this. So did his father. If we are looking for righteousness, we should too. If readers are looking for an answer with a sentence, try this one: "if one can't live with it, then it's likely worth the risk of one's life in opposing it." Examples of this might be , an act of murder or an example like addiction. In Ukraine's case, its the same example as Hitler's: the examples of slavery and crimes of war. I continue to read comments that clearly come from people who don't know Russian history. What readers may not know or for some conveniently forget, is that Russia was initially an ally of Nazi Germany. Russia was a part of Poland's invasion at the beginning of WWII. Russia declared war on Finland and took over some land and took over the Baltic states in 1940 through war. Russia ended up negotiating to take over the 7 satellite states with armies 60 km's from the German border. Russia essentially strong armed for control of the 7 satellite states that left in 89' and took earlier control of the 15 states that separated in 1990 and 1991, through war before and following WW1. When I read comments that agree with Mearsheimer's narrow world view of Russia, Mearsheimer himself conveniently forgets Russia's history as an aggressor nation that expanded to it's heyday of the U.S.S.R. through war. History past and present largely suggests that they haven't changed. Commenters should take the time to read history before some of them choose to defend Russia and Russia's current invasion of Ukraine. Without a doubt, Russia is an aggressor nation that became the size that it was through war. Just read it for yourselves: smarthistories.com/soviet-russia/

[@karinlive01]

it's refreshing to see that people exist outside of modern American idealism, All my respect to Mr. John It reflects the politics that American culture should have

[@Zonkotron]

But is that really so ? I have a feele a lot of these Putin sympaths do not remember that a) appeasement has never worked on any dictator b) Putin was not always a dictator and c) Russia was offered Nato Membership under Bill Clinton. Seriously and unironically. Putin was young, freshly in office, not a dictator and a lot less of a cynical arse. Nato NEVER wanted War with Russia and we were 100% open and transparent about it. Putin could have stayed a normal, democrat politician, joined Nato as a bulwark against the real enemy - the greatest totalitarian regime ever and old UDSSR rival - China. There was a win-win situation for the entire European continent. I have a dumb feeling that right wing politicians are framing putin as the "sane guy" JUST so they can frame "the liberals" for their perceived failures and discredit the notion that only more democracy every year is good democracy.

[@karinlive01]

@@ZonkotronThat's right, all of this is valid for those of us who have different points of view and perceptions. However, there is a country that is closing communications by controlling informative multimedia with a rhetoric never seen before. US needs to have the image of democracy and the example of diplomacy.

[@karinlive01]

you see an oppression and an abuse of the autonomy and sovereignty of the countries in which if they do not do what they want they are "punished" decades ago they fought so that it will not happen, irony

[@zarzhawellidi]

@@Zonkotron When was this and who proposed Russia's entry into NATO? It's a lie. On the contrary, Russia, in the person of Putin, asked: "Why do you need NATO? After all, this is a bloc against the Soviet Union and asked to join NATO, seriously and non-ironically." Received a refusal.

[@Zonkotron]

@@zarzhawellidi Thats not true. If you research the matter you will find that Putin himself admits to talking about this in the early 2000s and that Bill Clinton and Rasmussen and others were quite okay with the notion. And that lines up with what i saw back then. Western Media and politics were NOT against Russia until 2014. My home country Germany canceled universal draft in 2010 and cut military budget to a minimum since there was no credible threat left in greater Europe. Let that sink in for a minute. We voluntarily reduced our military to almost nothing. That was coincidentally also what Nato was still good for - reduce your military to a very small size and still have assurance of protection. We considered Russia a friend and Nato membership for EU countries like Poland and the baltics was more courtesy than driven by agenda. I remember being UTTERLY shocked about the 2014 Krimea invasion. Putin and Russia had been our friends and it was like "WTF?"

[@duscolosmonica3837]

I am in Mexico in vacations too. The president of this wonderful country refuses to give sanctions towards Russia and say : Bravo❣️👍👏

[@deejaye2647]

I'm jealous! I love Mexico.

[@harryflashman4542]

"sanctions? we don't need your stinking sanctions"

[@elenagraham1475]

Thank you .

[@rocky5755]

A wonderful country run by drug cartels

[@drongorius]

Finally a voice of truth from an American side . What a relief to hear that America still has genuine voices like that mister . Thank you .

[@sphinx12tt]

Take a listen to Scott Ritter former US marine and UN inspector during the Iraq War.....he has similar views as the professor.

[@drongorius]

@@sphinx12tt thanks , I will do.

[@skiev6657]

It is sad that reasonable peaple are silenced in the US. Besides, Ukraine is a toxic state. Putin does want to keep. The intent was Finladization of country - neutral regime.

[@user-ug9pv2lw7u]

Probably the smartest politician today... thank you for not compromising your integrity John Meisenheimer👌

[@stevekim2017]

John Mearsheimer is a real intellectual and giving us historical and factual POV regarding Russia and Ukraine conflict. I am taking international security program at one of grad schools in DC area.. what's happening in American colleges now? If you are not supporting Ukraine, then most of professors and students will treat you as a traitor or a pro Russia agent.

[@bleeone]

Measheimer is more than an intellectual, he graduated West Point and spent a decade in the Air Force before choosing academia for his career trajectory. That experience provides an educated perspective otherwise lacking amongst career professors, politicians and civilian leaders alike. Refusal to recognize ‘real politic’ balance of power doctrine may tragically (for us all) end up being a last gasp of modern civilization and the current social order instead a stark wake up call to the pro globalist, neo liberal, neo conservative, nation building delusions expressed through US foreign policy for the past three decades.

[@schjlr]

Let me tel you one think. If you don't support the war in Russia you go to prison for 15 years. How would you compare these two types of outcomes for free minds?

[@bleeone]

@@schjlr I don’t understand your question. Which two outcomes do you want me to compare. Be specific and I’ll at least give you an opinion.

[@RomanenkoLudmila]

Очень жаль, что демократия не работает в Вашей стране. Нас не обязательно любить, но откровенно клеветать на Россию и нашего президента - это непорядочно. Мы не хотим войны. Война для Америки - это всегда игра на чужой территории. Война для России - это вона в нашем доме. Да. Именно в нашем. Украина - это часть России исторически. Это мы. Наши семьи состоят из украинцев, татар, русских, чеченцев, тувинцев, якутов и многих других национальностей нашей Родины. Мы ниточки одного полотна. И то, как бедных Украинцев с помощью агрессивной пропаганды заставили ненавидеть Русских - это просто чудовищно! Сердце кровью обливается. Я очень надеюсь, что разжигатели войн одумаются, Мир Вашему дому!

[@bleeone]

@@RomanenkoLudmila so you agree?

[@goodyeoman4534]

I have been looking for an educated, rational and fact-based debate regarding the Ukraine issue. I've found it here. Thank you.

[@TheLatiosnlatias02]

There have been nearly 2000000 Ukrainian refugees in Russia since 2014. Ukrainians die for the fake and amoral Western Values, Israeli ZioNazism and for the Clown-Zelenski. Sad to be so stupid! “Now the Russians are saying that they can open [humanitarian] corridors, but they want civilians to leave for the Russian territory, which is absurd, cynical and unacceptable,” Vereshchuk -- - - But shooting same civilians is normal for Ukrainian leadership? UkraiNazis desperately need those civilian shields. One thing standing between them and justice. Even though that clown face Zelensky said that all men should stay and fight the Russians, it is noticeable that majority of Ukrainians do not want to fight and leaving the country. They know that their country and leader have been used by NATO to provoke a war just to help NATO destroy the Russian economy. It is not about Ukraine and its people. It is about the western/eu/israeli shit heads' supposed "democracy"

[@lorax8172]

This was a lecture/seminar, not a debate though

[@larissachase4726]

100%

[@Kuolonen]

That really just means that you have already decided on what is true and are looking for someone to validate it. Like a good little sheep.

[@goodyeoman4534]

@@lorax8172 Yes yes it's a seminar, not a debate. Happy?

[@facundolamas950]

John Mearsheimer was crystal clear about this for almost a decade (maybe more idk), and he wasnt the only one warning about this, Henrry Keissenger was vocal too since 2006, but sadly the people that could have done something to stop the crisis did not make any course corrections. Now everybody blames someone else while innocent people suffers.

[@Vingul]

Ah yes, Kissinger - one of the most callous and destructive personalities of the 20th century. At least it’s fair to say he knows a thing or two about foreign policy.

[@deankruse2891]

The person who could have stopped this was Putin.

[@simp1eone]

Don't forget Stephen Cohen

[@Tgungen]

He's been warning about this since the fall of USSR

[@sueloh5035]

@@deankruse2891 not really. You put all the responsibility on his shoulders. The other players in the field too have their share of responsibility.

[@CoK_u3_HoCoK]

Разумный человек. Уверен, что он ни разу не пророссийский профессор. Просто у него есть глаза, уши и мозги, которыми он умеет пользоваться. Побольше бы таких.

[@user-gb8zc4uo2u]

Спасибо за правду, приятно осознавать, что на Западе есть трезвые политики.

[@borisbukalov9407]

Вообще то раньше такие назывались полезными идиотами.

[@erkkinho]

@Jarmila No one is saying that Putin is a good person nor has the right to do what he is doing. They are just realists.

[@kapotova]

К сожалению, это ученые, а не политики.

[@aregnazan1994]

А о чем говорят?

[@MirageNN]

@@aregnazan1994 здесь перевод части на русском kzbin.info/www/bejne/bXWpmpeEmJuAm68

[@larissachase4726]

I am Russian and I am endlessly thankful to you speaking up on this and being honest and super knowledgeable. I am spreading this video among my English speaking friends and colleagues. And YES, it is so sad one won’t hear this in the media. People are so ignorant and it’s, like Putin said, so easy “to put noodles on their ears”. Ray and John - you are my heroes. I heard you talk a while ago. Now it’s so important that you educate the others. The only one guy, don’t know his name, mentioned about Putin poisoning ex- spies or downing the airplane. No court decisions are made on any of those cases. There MUST be a reason…. The guy talks clashue, like CNN. From all the Russians, my great thanks to you!

[@nadasabbagh6273]

It's a fantastic lecture. I hope to visit Russia one day. I'm fascinated by its beauty and history. I hope that there will be capacity to do so in the future. Love from UK.

[@addtru12]

Great talk! Greetings and all the best from Romania! The Truth always wins (eventually)

[@2close4missiles88]

Putin is a crook just like the western leaders

[@alex1yvl]

Привет из Владивостока, дорогой товарищ!:) Здравомыслящие люди все ещё есть на свете, несмотря на весь шквал пропаганды с обоих сторон. Рано или поздно конфликт будет исчерпан, и те, кто сейчас пребывает в плену политических чудовищ сделают выводы и станут более устойчивыми к этой "лапше"

[@angelaomeara6875]

@@nadasabbagh6273 Please share this video as widely as you can please, an excellent piece of honest work.

[@justCommando]

Thank you. It's a nice change to listen to someone who's actually educated and intelligent rather than lying mainstream media.

[@moonlandingagain3228]

Low IQ

[@igorzee1167]

Excellent discussion! I’m Russian and American and concur what John had said - I have lots of friends who hate and despise Putin but do stand behind him on the Ukraine crisis. Majority of Russians look at it as the liberation of our brothers and sisters from ukronazis. You can argue with that idea but these people have been witnessing the atrocities committed in Donbas for 8 long years and all these years have been asking 2 questions - Why? and When? Why are we tolerating it and When are we going to provide a real help?

[@senichars777]

Красава. Таких, кого описал, по сути большинство у нас. Пу нах, но если неприятный тебе человек делает правое дело, то справедливо его поддержать.

[@alanrosenbach]

Ukronazis? Does it seem odd to Russians that the Ukronazis are led by a Jewish guy named Zelensky?

[@igorzee1167]

@@alanrosenbach Bandera led the extermination of lots of Jews, Ukrainians along with Poles and Russians. Zelenskyy regime glorifies Bandera. “Azov” scums and alike battalions lead extermination of citizens in eastern Ukraine. In my book these are the Nazis committing crimes against humanity. Zelenskyy’s Jewish ancestry adds more shame to his actions. He betrayed everything his ancestors suffered and fought for

[@alanrosenbach]

@@igorzee1167 I can't find much reference to the atrocities you write about in Donbas. Even if these are true, it must be a small number of people. Certainly smaller than the number of civilians Russia has killed in the past 10 months. Using the word Nazis to describe the current Ukrainian government is manipulative. The real Nazis killed 6 million Jews and gassed their children. They attempted to exterminate an entire religion and its millions of followers.

[@censorthis-uu6cc]

@@alanrosenbach - it seems odd that nazi's could also be hypocrites and opportunists? Hitler was a Jew - that didn't seem to be a problem either. They seem to have an uncanny knack for raising lots of money for war. You could also ask why so many Jews are supporting nazi's.

[@mohamednabulsi3533]

Well well well A lot of information about the roots of the problems and where we are heading Moving forward Thank you all to John, Ray, Suzan And the rest of the participants The truth is out American needs to be informed And educated about this crises that could leads to unforgivable results Before it us too late

[@nintsip]

I thought Mearsheimer's argument was quite weak. Mearsheimer's "Appease the gorilla", "go along to get along", "might makes right" and "morality doesn't have anything to do with it" are argument's that enablers, sympathizers, geldings, war profiteers, soldiers, fascists and Nazi's used to support Hitler. History has been less than kind to them. These arguments of "morality doesn't have anything to do with it", are the same arguments used in all other unjustified wars of the past. It's a regurgitation of history. And history matters. How did Russia become the world's largest nation by area to begin with? How did the U.S.S.R. end up with the first 7 states that broke away in 89'? The spoils of war through Russian aggression. They called it the Warsaw pact as a counter to NATO, but it was an exercise of Russian control of the governments of these nations that led to it. I will remind readers, these nations have less than 1% Russian speaking people with no Russian culture. The 15 states that broke away in 90' and 91' had at most, less than 20% Russian speaking people, most of them in single digits. How did these states become a part of Russia? By Russian aggression and expansion through war. If we look back in history, we will see a pattern of Russia invading nations, controlling their governments, destroying cities, slaughtering those who remain and moving in their own people to take over the land. The pattern is there. This war isn't about NATO, it's about a Russian leader who has the inner circle political support to reclaim the old Soviet empire through war efforts and a leader who is willing to do what it takes to make that happen. What lengths is Putin willing to go to? Within 2 years of taking control of Russia, Putin bombed through spy agencies his own people as a false flag pretext to invade Chechyna: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russian_apartment_bombings en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_Chechen_War en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Grozny_(1999%E2%80%932000) The city of Grozny is highly important to understand the fate of Ukraine. Chechen declared independence fighting Yeltsin to a stalemate from 94' to 96'. In 99', Grozny was leveled to the ground. There were 50,000 that likely couldn't leave. They were slaughtered under Putin's orders. There were around 1,000 rebels that remained and Russia gave them a choice. "Leave or die, we just want the city but you have to leave within 24 hrs at a corridor we've mapped out for you". The Russians led them into a minefield and slaughtered them. Is any of this sounding familiar, especially so with the cities near eastern Russian borders? Defectors are not his people, they are subjects to be controlled at best and at worst traitors to be eliminated. One has to be Godless to make these kinds of choices. Godless, and mentally unwell. The Putin of today is the Putin of yesterday. This is the leader Mearsheimer suggests Ukraine should make peace and close ties with. Is that realistic at this point? Was it ever realistic? It makes sense if one has the same logic as the supporters of Hitler back in the day right, or any other tyrant in history. To the rest... not so much. Just ask yourselves how this will end for the Russian people now. We are witness not to the mere destruction of Ukraine or tightened grip on the other 14 who defected from Russia in 90' and 91', but we are also witness to the destruction of Russia in a large sense as they regress to a nation of 30+ years ago economically, socially, politically... The best word I can use to describe Putin is, "SLAVER". Remember this description the next time we read words from the Mearsheimer's of the world suggesting we "appease the gorilla", "go along to get along" and "might is right" or "morality doesn't matter". What Mearsheimer's choice boils down to, what he's really trying to talk Ukrainians into and changing U.S. support for, is Ukraine's willing slavery to an old Soviet empire. Remember, its right that makes true might and always will be. Jesus understood this. So did his father. If we are looking for righteousness, we should too. If readers are looking for an answer with a sentence, try this one: "if one can't live with it, then it's likely worth the risk of one's life in opposing it." Examples of this might be , an act of murder or an example like addiction. In Ukraine's case, its the same example as Hitler's: the examples of slavery and crimes of war. I continue to read comments that clearly come from people who don't know Russian history. What readers may not know or for some conveniently forget, is that Russia was initially an ally of Nazi Germany. Russia was a part of Poland's invasion at the beginning of WWII. Russia declared war on Finland and took over some land and took over the Baltic states in 1940 through war. Russia ended up negotiating to take over the 7 satellite states with armies 60 km's from the German border. Russia essentially strong armed for control of the 7 satellite states that left in 89' and took earlier control of the 15 states that separated in 1990 and 1991, through war before and following WW1. When I read comments that agree with Mearsheimer's narrow world view of Russia, Mearsheimer himself conveniently forgets Russia's history as an aggressor nation that expanded to it's heyday of the U.S.S.R. through war. History past and present largely suggests that they haven't changed. Commenters should take the time to read history before some of them choose to defend Russia and Russia's current invasion of Ukraine. Without a doubt, Russia is an aggressor nation that became the size that it was through war. Just read it for yourselves: smarthistories.com/soviet-russia/

[@HegelsOwl]

@Nino Shavgulidze Your argument isn't valid for the reason previously brought to your attention.

[@LeftInBama]

He's last teaching on this was very detailed from 6-7 years and he goes into depth even more. Excellent both sessions.

[@everready2903]

He was recently here kzbin.info/www/bejne/hJPNYnSIlMZ0mac

[@bobdobb9017]

I’m going over the comments and we all think alike. We are a (small) core of critical thinkers it seems. We should have a channel!

[@LeftInBama]

@@bobdobb9017 A group to connect or SOMETHING... set it up and i'm there 😉

[@HonzaChudy]

The truth about the Ukrainian Nazis !!! Share it everywhere before the West erases this truth !!! kzbin.info/www/bejne/gnXCZYxoibaiqqM

[@LevelsAndMaps]

and it's laying out play-by-play 7 years later :D

[@yeahokay2522]

I’m a Ukrainian living in Europe for most of my life and the people “caring” about Ukraine feels so fake to me. For years most people didn’t know where Ukraine was and labeled me as a Russian. The way Eastern Europeans are seen here is “they’re all the same” and “they are taking our jobs” the Eastern Europeans in the west are the cleaning people or the cheap construction workers or production line workers etc. And this hasn’t changed in 20 years. So whenever I would read that Ukraine would be on track to join the EU and nato it felt like a joke to me. And now they pay the price for dangling these memberships in front of their face for years and never actually supporting them in getting there. The west has been able to use Ukraine for cheap labor and cheap agricultural products and setting up that trade agreement seemed super easy, but beyond that there’s nothing in it for them so the actual incorporation to the EU had been put on hold. Now I don’t blame the people in the west, it’s very hard to understand this whole conflict and get the whole truth. It would mean that you have to dedicate many hours deep diving which sadly most of us don’t have with our work/life schedules, but I do want to say that it’s okay to say I don’t know enough about this to have an opinion. ♥️

[@AlinNemet]

It's such a mess and disaster, after seeing so many images with people fleeing, crying, dying being bombed in their own homes or on the streets, I feel so sorry for the normal people of Ukraine, after living in poverty for so long, to have a fate like this in today's day and age, is just heart breaking to me, and I am a Romanian living in uk. The Zelensky gov made a horrible decision to go against Russia alone, without any guarantees from Nato that they'll provide military help, ie planes, troops, tanks etc I hope your people will end up well soon ✌️🙏❤️

[@TheGreatAmphibian]

U.S. foreign policy has been in the hands of idiots for the past couple of decades. It's a tragedy that the Ukraine has to suffer again because of this.

[@MastiKaHathi]

20 years is a long time to get into EU & NATO. I still don't understand why it took so much time for West to include Ukraine into EU if they were really serious about it.

[@africkinamerican]

Yes, I think it's quite sad the way the Ukrainians are being used as pawns in the political power games of others. And, I think many in the west are addicted to moral panics and the sense of superiority from piling onto the elite-declared crusade du jour. It has a cult-like aspect, and I believe that's on purpose. Our governments and other institutions have been weaponized to control the people.

[@2mek99]

@Fire Starter You are as misinformed as Mearsheimer. Russia does not agree for Ukraine to join the EU. That is why they started the war in 2014.

[@Drxyz-tk6le]

He is right. Look at how Russians have escalated. They have started doing Fallujahs, they have started doing mosuls and Groznies. Look at Mariaupol today. And Kyiv is going to be the same thing if Zelensky doesn't see the logic and keeps listening to Americans.

[@detrockcity3]

Mariupol is more like Aleppo. They had to do that. The Nazis were interspersed all over.

[@EthnosSynergyEnergy]

Such a well worded rational analysis. So good to hear another side of events compared to the main stream media lies...

[@TheNewNationPodcast]

This needs to be seen by more people in the US

[@bobdobb9017]

I’m going over the comments and we all think alike. We are a (small) core of critical thinkers it seems. We should have a channel!

[@chriskeene241]

People all over the world need to hear this

[@valherustinger7848]

@@chriskeene241 When I first watched John Mearsheimers video I was like. Jesus more people need to see this, so I started debating people in facebook about the cause of the war so I could insert that video into the comments to give it more exposure. The video went from 7 million views to 16 million views in 2 days so Ive done my job to calm everyone down and to not eat all the bs being fed to them by Western media.

[@SJ-ds8lp]

they will cancel him sadly...

[@71Stasia]

I'm Doing Great! The Podcast - "This needs to be seen by more people in the US" - unfortunately they watch TV channels CNN, NBC, Fox...

[@hizbawiginbarginbarghinda3872]

Prof Mearsheimer is beyond academician. He is a scientist, by that I mean he is an independent scholar. An intellect.

[@jagabe9680]

Yea, he's a political scientist in google. So yea, scientist in politics..

[@Red.Hot.Chili.Beans63]

Whatever his academic credentials are, he is more than a bit of a Russian apologist.

[@wellthissucks112]

@@Red.Hot.Chili.Beans63 🙄

[@Aengrod]

@@Red.Hot.Chili.Beans63 well, he supports Bernie Sanders, you know the guy who spent his honey-moon in Moscow at the height of the cold war. Tells you all you need to know why he's such an apologist for russia.

[@yihenewmisasewmengistu2606]

@@Red.Hot.Chili.Beans63 brainwashed liberal

[@sandracason7251]

Thank you. Common sense at last.

[@liinaalas3879]

Respect! Dear Professor

[@yaoypl]

Who causes the Ukraine crisis? My answer is very simple, the United States.

[@thejfactor1]

The US stands to benefit the most from the conflict, regardless of the outcome.

[@johnlatham7092]

Michael, what a load of rubbish. Putin is leading a failing regime and a failing economy. I think he will end up like Gaddafi

[@ccahill2322]

@@johnlatham7092 , you and your compatriots would love that. You are sick. It will not happen.

[@user-lk1qx7gb5o]

@Francisco III J Dy and in the US 🤣

[@konmoe121]

Ah, and I thought it's Russia attacking Ukrainian cities? You guys went way too deep down the rabbit hole.

[@KamilaValieva-fan]

It’s so good to see professor Mearsheimer. Wish you healthy and all well.

[@SmutaVremeni]

Thank you so much for your truth!!! I’m from Ukrainian and I absolutely agree with your view on this conflict!

[@kalleranta2260]

So you as a Ukrainian support this guy? The guy who even denies that there's an invasion..

[@SmutaVremeni]

@@kalleranta2260 I just think that it was too many provocation from America and EU. They also bear the blame for this war

[@natan_km]

@@SmutaVremeni you are a disgrace to your people. this post was made by the non-cringe anti-russia gang. Just watch this which destroys any arguments Mearsheimer had kzbin.info/www/bejne/nGjIlY2nec6koNk

[@nickieshadowfaxbrooklyn5192]

@@kalleranta2260 please verbatim quote with timestamp when he said that. I’d appreciate to see how senile this gentleman is, if he states what’s clearly obvious: there’s a military invasion of a country.

[@kalleranta2260]

@@nickieshadowfaxbrooklyn5192 It is not that he says it, but the lack of mentioning a Russian invasion, he simply keeps avoiding it.

[@muyashi21]

John Mearsheimer is the best geopolitical analysist in the US, and he should be hear more than people like Anthony Blinken or Victoria Nulland, to avoid this situations

[@superpandy]

John Mearsheimer should be on the news in every single country in the world to help everyone understand what is happening here.

[@augustpelaez5592]

He will not, they want usa population to be as stupid as possible

[@user-fe2nk3qz2j]

@@augustpelaez5592 … not just the US population - they did a pretty good job of dumbing down the entire global west. People here in Europe are blindly following their highly corrupt and insane "political leaders" to their demise.

[@vitalis]

No american media wants to seem battling for Russia, no american gov will ever admit to any wrongdoing

[@N7oPb]

As he said in his big lecture in 2015 at the University of Chicago, the current "Washington gang" is not interested in his opinion, because they, "people of the 21st century", do not operate in terms of the geopolitical sphere of interests of countries, vital strategic issues, as the people of the 19th century, to whom Putin and Mearsheimer, operate

[@KurosakiRuka]

@@user-fe2nk3qz2j In germany people heavily rely on the account of the news being indipendent and unbiased, so people really have forgotten how to think for themselves. And the hate against russia and russian people is growing to such expense that it becames racism. I am an ukranian livng in germany. Every country promotes their pov and propaganda. It is not only russia, ukranine and the west do the same. People need to try to form their own opinion on the subject by understanding all sides and not shaming or isolate poeple who have opinions that do not convert to the western view.

[@anirudhkishanjaipuri]

Amazing and realistic as always, hats off to you Prof. Mearsheimer. I wish the US, EU and Ukraine heard and implemented your views.

[@simpinainteasy680]

Oh they heard and new full well what the outcome would be.

[@qinglyu4963]

Prof. Mearsheimer has truely wisdom, I, as a Chinese, wish the US, EU and NATO will never hear what he suggested.

[@vladimirtheserb9298]

Most def

[@anirudhkishanjaipuri]

@@qinglyu4963 Haha, thats mean :) No wonder the chinese are always smart and realistic

[@Pollywhop]

watched it and the older vid also from the Netherlands stay safe people

[@HOOTH2]

I'm amazed youtube is allowing some one to tell truth.

[@wolfhound45]

Just incredible. Well worth the time to examine the issues in depth. It is unfortunate that there were audio and visual issues that detracted from an excellent presentation.

[@avpilas]

Превосходный анализ ситуации. Привет из России. -- Excellent analysis of the situation. Greetings from Russia.

[@aby110]

Stay strong ! War is a terrible thing and we know that regular Russian civilians and even soldiers as a matter of fact are not to blame for what is happening in Ukraine. We have to show solidarity in our opposition to war against all empirical forces.

[@avpilas]

@@aby110 Thank you. Thats very important to keep head cool these days. Take care!

[@avpilas]

@@olgas.6258 in simple: i'm not a governor, but a regular man; it's impossible to affect worlds behaviour by a single video or comment, but i tend to think, that opinion of these speakers gets some rise of popularity these days. Never underestimate individuals all over the world. Smart people are searching for information and they will find it now or later.

[@sonnyirish3678]

Can I just say I have never been more embarrassed to see how the West has reacted to this.Its just insane and betrays what some Russians suspected,there is a real Russophobia at large with a certain type in the west.

[@mayabergsdottir9622]

Stay strong! We love you very, very much! Dont believe the propaganda from western MSM! Long live mother 🐻 ❤❤❤💯💯💯❤❤❤

[@juliusebola9712]

A Putin quote that has always stuck with me, "The American eagle has arrows in one claw and an olive branch in the other, why does the USA only use the arrows?"

[@allykid4720]

It uses olive branch to lure its pray, same as it did to Ukraine.

[@morty908]

Ever heard of selective memory? Ever heard of the Marshall Plan? Ever wonder why the people of Vietnam, Japan, and Germany, all formerly recent and bitter enemies of the U.S. have populations that consistently rate the U.S. favorably when polled? Ever wonder what your flaccid acceptance of a politician's asinine statements about a country he considers a rival says about your intelligence and character?

[@luxemag4347]

@@morty908 who polled the kind people of Vietnam to rate to US? there are fault lines in your statements to the extent where no intent can be discerned.

[@arcturus681]

@@morty908 Japan and Germany are now labotomised colonies of the West

[@DMDinhDash]

Because the olive branch was used in cooking a big bow of mac n chesse

[@ivantamayoromero1668]

How brave of Professor John Mearsheimer to speak the truth about the situation! He is a treasure.

[@-morrow]

Mearsheimer is factually wrong in many cases. His analysis is emotional and heavily biased. It's an apologetic piece for the invasion of a sovereign, democratic country. Disgusting how you people cheer for it.

[@ivantamayoromero1668]

@@-morrow I think the only one getting emotional in here it's you. Everything he said was on point.

[@-morrow]

​@@ivantamayoromero1668 News flash: we all are emotional. There is no purely rational thinker and everyone predending to be one is intellectually dishonest. But Mearsheimer is factually wrong e.g. at 15:50 - 16:45. Putin talked openly about his ambition and opinion of the Ukrainian state in his 'blood and soil' speech, right before the war on 21. February 2022. Watch this speech and then recognise how Mearsheimer is downtalking Putins true goals. Mearsheimer has a very strong bias towards Russia and it shows in his language throughout. E.g. 8:45 he calls the Russian invasion of Crimea a "crisis". This is carefully chosen language like from propagandists. If he was simply interested in impartial geoplitical analysis he would call this an invasion, that's the simplest and most accurate description of what happened in 2014. Also 8:55 - 9:15 is a highly dishonest framing by calling it a "coup". The then increasingly authoritiarian president was ousted and new elections followed. There was no military junta seizing power or the like that would justify calling it a coup. Also the "US backing" is fairly irrelevant to those happenings but makes it sound as if the US instigated a coup like it did in latin America.

[@ivantamayoromero1668]

@@-morrow Russian troops were already in Crimea and there was a referendum to ask them if they wanted to join. And the euromaidan was a Gene Sharp text book soft coup. American money was very influential and back then senator Ron Paul acknowledge that the USA had pushed for the regime change. Also, it wasn't that Yanukovych's government wasn't democratic, but rather that it wasn't persueing the policies most popular with western Ukrainians. But he had won the last democratic elections ever held country wide in Ukraine. The euromaidan governments inmeadiately started repressing the ethnic minorities, specially the Russian speaking population. Just because the candidate that won is the one you don't like doesn't mean it wasn't a democratic election. There was a substantial neo Nazi element in the euromaidan revolution that is now no longer talk about in mainstream media, but that play an integral part in the coup.

[@ivantamayoromero1668]

@@-morrow And way back in the day there was a little coverage in mainstream media about the growing threat of neo nazim in Ukraine after the Euromaidan: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a4SloGOXoMp3g7s&ab_channel=BBCNewsnight

[@yvonneyork1263]

Love the courage and clarity of this man's reasoned arguments.

[@12th-House]

Excellent cast. I’m with John on this. Thank god there are still people that can articulate a comprehensive outline to the current situation. It explains a lot.

[@alexgainsborough4921]

Well, you won't find what you want here, but one more piece of propaganda: he calls ousted President Yanukovych "pro-Russian"! President - who was preparing an association with the European Union and sought to join NATO!

[@EnzoA85]

"Thank god there are still people that can articulate a comprehensive outline to the current situation." Shamly, those who govern us don't (want to) listen to them.

[@Wodz30]

Those numbers grow fewer and fewer each year. Apparently, education is like veggies to children. GET THAT AWAY FROM ME. Gaming and TikTok though, 24/7

[@irinak5674]

@@alexgainsborough4921 compared to Yuschenko and Poroshenko he was pro-Russian.

[@falkonerr]

I thought Mearsheimer's argument was quite weak. Mearsheimer's "Appease the gorilla", "go along to get along", "might makes right" and "morality doesn't have anything to do with it" are argument's that enablers, sympathizers, geldings, war profiteers, soldiers, fascists and Nazi's used to support Hitler. History has been less than kind to them. These arguments of "morality doesn't have anything to do with it", are the same arguments used in all other unjustified wars of the past. It's a regurgitation of history. And history matters. How did Russia become the world's largest nation by area to begin with? How did the U.S.S.R. end up with the first 7 states that broke away in 89'? The spoils of war through Russian aggression. They called it the Warsaw pact as a counter to NATO, but it was an exercise of Russian control of the governments of these nations that led to it. I will remind readers, these nations have less than 1% Russian speaking people with no Russian culture. The 15 states that broke away in 90' and 91' had at most, less than 20% Russian speaking people, most of them in single digits. How did these states become a part of Russia? By Russian aggression and expansion through war. If we look back in history, we will see a pattern of Russia invading nations, controlling their governments, destroying cities, slaughtering those who remain and moving in their own people to take over the land. The pattern is there. This war isn't about NATO, it's about a Russian leader who has the inner circle political support to reclaim the old Soviet empire through war efforts and a leader who is willing to do what it takes to make that happen. What lengths is Putin willing to go to? Within 2 years of taking control of Russia, Putin bombed through spy agencies his own people as a false flag pretext to invade Chechyna: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russian_apartment_bombings en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_Chechen_War en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Grozny_(1999%E2%80%932000) The city of Grozny is highly important to understand the fate of Ukraine. Chechen declared independence fighting Yeltsin to a stalemate from 94' to 96'. In 99', Grozny was leveled to the ground. There were 50,000 that likely couldn't leave. They were slaughtered under Putin's orders. There were around 1,000 rebels that remained and Russia gave them a choice. "Leave or die, we just want the city but you have to leave within 24 hrs at a corridor we've mapped out for you". The Russians led them into a minefield and slaughtered them. Is any of this sounding familiar, especially so with the cities near eastern Russian borders? Defectors are not his people, they are subjects to be controlled at best and at worst traitors to be eliminated. One has to be Godless to make these kinds of choices. Godless, and mentally unwell. The Putin of today is the Putin of yesterday. This is the leader Mearsheimer suggests Ukraine should make peace and close ties with. Is that realistic at this point? Was it ever realistic? It makes sense if one has the same logic as the supporters of Hitler back in the day right, or any other tyrant in history. To the rest... not so much. Just ask yourselves how this will end for the Russian people now. We are witness not to the mere destruction of Ukraine or tightened grip on the other 14 who defected from Russia in 90' and 91', but we are also witness to the destruction of Russia in a large sense as they regress to a nation of 30+ years ago economically, socially, politically... The best word I can use to describe Putin is, "SLAVER". Remember this description the next time we read words from the Mearsheimer's of the world suggesting we "appease the gorilla", "go along to get along" and "might is right" or "morality doesn't matter". What Mearsheimer's choice boils down to, what he's really trying to talk Ukrainians into and changing U.S. support for, is Ukraine's willing slavery to an old Soviet empire. Remember, its right that makes true might and always will be. Jesus understood this. So did his father. If we are looking for righteousness, we should too. If readers are looking for an answer with a sentence, try this one: "if one can't live with it, then it's likely worth the risk of one's life in opposing it." Examples of this might be , an act of murder or an example like addiction. In Ukraine's case, its the same example as Hitler's: the examples of slavery and crimes of war. I continue to read comments that clearly come from people who don't know Russian history. What readers may not know or for some conveniently forget, is that Russia was initially an ally of Nazi Germany. Russia was a part of Poland's invasion at the beginning of WWII. Russia declared war on Finland and took over some land and took over the Baltic states in 1940 through war. Russia ended up negotiating to take over the 7 satellite states with armies 60 km's from the German border. Russia essentially strong armed for control of the 7 satellite states that left in 89' and took earlier control of the 15 states that separated in 1990 and 1991, through war before and following WW1. When I read comments that agree with Mearsheimer's narrow world view of Russia, Mearsheimer himself conveniently forgets Russia's history as an aggressor nation that expanded to it's heyday of the U.S.S.R. through war. History past and present largely suggests that they haven't changed. Commenters should take the time to read history before some of them choose to defend Russia and Russia's current invasion of Ukraine. Without a doubt, Russia is an aggressor nation that became the size that it was through war. Just read it for yourselves: smarthistories.com/soviet-russia/

[@MrOrientalism]

The true professor who doesn't follow the political agenda and popular views in mass media but Real facts.

[@rosetesta7193]

Not just real facts - there’s speculation and OPINION all over the place.

[@StoccoPschiozzoLego]

Basically he is just saying that as Putin hates that people can vote he has right to bomb Ukraina.

[@WhatsUpWithSheila]

I am so in awe of this man's (John M) logical realistic thinking♥️

[@joebish6629]

The Professor is a beacon of truth.

[@stalliow404]

Prof. Mearsheimer is great .. genuine ,..sticking to the truth ...reverbrating what he has been saying for last 6-7 years

[@arashkamangir331]

And unfortunately no one in power listened

[@donnazukadley7300]

@GAURAV The University of Chicago " Why Ukraine is the West's Fault " KZbin video John Mearsheimer 6 years ago

[@breakprismatshell6270]

Sometimes it might be better to reflect on your assumptions though.

[@computercrack]

@@arashkamangir331 because they don't want to. What do you think earns you more money, peaceful world or a world at arms? Hint: Germany just announced an additional 100billion € out of nowhere for the military and ervybody is cheering. think of that 40 years ago, everybody would have thought Germany has lost it.

[@3s0t3r1c]

@@arashkamangir331 Because no one should care what russia wants.

[@bleeone]

Been waiting for Mearsheimer to weigh in as he’s the foremost American intellectual with expertise on the subject matter. The intellectual honesty and willingness to confront issues at play are a breath of fresh air. If only there was a way to get this out into the public sphere and force US citizens to watch and learn from it LAST week, we’d be in much better shape. Unfortunately the window of opportunity to put the brakes on this thing is closing quickly.

[@stella3265]

Tell that to the diplomats. They are the ones who can easily stop this war. Diplomacy these days is so militarized that the thought of putting diplomacy front and center never will occur to the US mainstream media. They are all jingoistic. Capitalism has hit the fan for the third time in 20 years with Trumps tax cuts and the US inability to deal with a pandemic. Slapping a major inflation and now a war on the American people is too much to bear. In my opinion the events in the Ukraine is capitalism in action, this is what capitalism looks like.

[@luukdeboer1974]

@@stella3265 the ones that have spoken out have been ignored, so this must be a deliberate attempt to destabilize a region in the name of "democracy" for profit, while keeping the population ignorant by the bought off media

[@rockyfjord3753]

Adam Dixon's comments I do not find salient. The US entitled itself out of thin air, the right to a buffer zone between itself and Cuba, and was ready to go to war if this buffer was not guaranteed. I did not find Ron Maxwell's comments salient. The Vice Chair of the committee didn't bother to say his name, but in any event, I did not like his comments as well. Unlike everyone it seems, I not only thought Russia would go into Ukraine, but I very much favored it as well. Ukraine is only tertiary or secondary at best in the calculus for Russia going into Ukraine. The primary reason was to liberate Ukraine from the US and NATO. When you spend five billion dollars softening up a population for a CIA fomented coup using Nazi nationalists to conduct it [while Obama called it peaceful protesting], and then begin to turn that country into a forward base for the US and NATO -- then I don't think one can assert that the Ukrainian people somehow chose this path by free choice and democratically. The government overthrown had been democratically elected. Things had been negotiated and settled de jure by Yanukovich and the Ukrainian opposition. But then the Nazis decided they would have a coup anyhow, and of course the State Dept and CIA were there to support such a wonderful idea! I am 100% behind Russia's decision and action, and think it was long overdue. Those who want to argue about what Ukraine is entitled to do as a sovereign nations, might first try to justify the US' own 80+ interventions since WWII, against sovereign nations. And then you might start with 1980's CIA proxy war in Afghanistan and another CIA proxy war fought by Saddam Hussein against Iraq. And then all the wars since then. First try to square your fine ideas about the US and NATO are entitled to do in Ukraine with all those 80+ interventions into other sovereign countries. The US reneged on its word that NATO would not move one inch, and that alone is sufficient justification for pushing back against the US after their filthy bloody coup in 2014, snipering both rioters and Berkut alike to deliver the coup de grace. The primary purpose for Russia going in has to do with the US and NATO, and Ukraine only put itself in the line of fire. I hope Russia restores Ukraine to a renascent history of close ties with its Slavic brother Russia, and I hope the American empire collapses very soon.

[@d-247infantry9]

For real. Glad he is still here to say what he has already been saying for many years now. The public is extremely distracted. I have said it for years and will say it again. Distraction kills... shout out to everyone here that is on this unique wavelength 🤙🏽

[@GonzoTehGreat]

He didn't say anything he hasn't already said. He also thought Putin wouldn't invade unless directly provoked, right up until he did...

[@georgepaul5843]

Professor Mearsheimer, your political assessment of situation is absolutely correct.

[@musicclassic5938]

John is correct, but Tom Dixon made a very good case too by saying that Russia does not have the soft power because of its totalitarian tendencies and for this reason it's not at all attractive to its neighbors.

[@zamaniwedmohofficial7515]

God bless you the Good Americans not American politics! Prof John you’re blessed beyond your imagination 🖤🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿

[@elizabethb4627]

Profesor Mearsheimer amazing analysis of the current situation. Thank you!

[@sangiro]

Thank you for sharing this with us to gain a better understanding of the many factors at play and also how we ended up here. The panelists courageousness cannot be underestimated. Thank you

[@wagepeace7823]

How about acknowledgement of First Nations Land. You missed it. Otherwise very helpful.

[@MaxerWolf]

Prof. Mearsheimer for president

[@martinfallon7269]

This is one of THE BEST lectures by John Mearshiemer. Says it all in 45 minutes. Hopefully this leads to change in the pecking order. The US needs to stop trying to run things. They just make mess of everything

[@blondie7240]

Good luck finding a single Ukraine who agrees with that sentiment

[@monikaherr3562]

Yes, it's much better if the West lets Russia dominate. That will do wonders for the free world. We can already see how wonderfully it is working out for a country that dared to be free.

[@yulusleonard985]

@@monikaherr3562 Like Afghanistan?

[@yulusleonard985]

@@monikaherr3562 Also im sure US will do the same if Cuba start to host Russian troops or nukes.

[@jvjjjvvv9157]

@@yulusleonard985 Cuba already hosted Soviet missiles, and what you're saying would happen didn't happen. Instead there was a negotiation, and then a deal. So it's almost comical that you don't mind being factually incorrect in such a clear manner. Also, this happened in 1962, decades before the free, instantaneous access to information that the Internet provides, and in an era where for example in some places white people couldn't get married to black people. So it didn't happen sixty years ago in a darker era, but you're sure it could happen tomorrow? American foreign policy in the last century has been horrific at times. Interventionist, bellicose, jingoistic. But that doesn't mean that other imperialistic governments can't do even more harm if allowed. Also, who says that this is an issue just between the USA and Russia? Have you ever met an Ukrainian? Most Ukrainians have a deep seated hatred of the Russian state. And they wanted NATO, they wanted separation from Russia, they wanted closer ties to the west, they wanted a regime change in 2014. No one forced them to want these things, which are probably imperfect, but they still want them. It's quite offensive to regard these people as if they had no say in the matter and they were just pawns in a geopolitical game. Yes, the US has probably played a role and it's a dangerous game and in my opinion they bear a little bit of responsibility, but it is Ukraine that does want these things.

[@tonymontana1965]

i'm a simple man. i see john mearsheimer, i click.

[@tajamlikha7853]

Same for me...waited quite a long...Mr. was good to

[@aby110]

Gigachad Mearsheimer video watcher

[@Simonet1309]

Prof. John Mearsheimer: A very rare voice of truth and reason from the west.

[@Gojimaru]

Thank you gentlemen for sharing your knowledge on the subject with the world.

[@jossiesh7649]

If you listen to John Mearsheimer's talk in 2015, his prediction was so accurate. He said what may happen if an "independent" Ukraine will try to join NATO.

[@holyhandgrenadeofantioch2019]

Listened to it twice recently. John said something along the lines of “if you want to see Russia destroyed, you should HOPE they launch a full scale invasion and occupation of Ukraine.” He was not in any way encouraging such a course of action, but rather casting doubt on the prospects for Russian success.

[@osyakisa757]

He as actually royally wrong before on this matter. Said he does not expect that Russia would invade Ukraine. Said that Crimea take over was not inevitable and was caused by NATO expansion. Totally wrong, its clear to anyone who is Russian as you would be well aware that Crimea was inhabited by almost exclusively Russian ppl and was and is the main marine base of the Russia. No way Putin led it stay in Ukraine, any reason would do.

[@josephkennedy4450]

He said Putin was too smart to invade Ukraine.

[@user-zw1tj5xg7h]

@@osyakisa757 Crimea was joined by Russia not only because Sevastopol ports. There many gas fields in sea nearby Crimea and of course that was sign to NATO not come closer to Russia border.

[@holyhandgrenadeofantioch2019]

@@josephkennedy4450 the speech was 7 years ago. IDK why Putin decided to invade now. Maybe he is suffering from dementia, like Biden.

[@rezmetisll1163]

When Native American Indian's we're subjugated by American domestic policy where was the Bill of Rights? Thanks for sharing your knowledge everyone. This was an excellent scholarly discussion with a lot of wisdom. I wish you guys were in charge.

[@Stop-and-listen]

Excellent point; Palestinians ask the same question.

[@mr.horrorchild4094]

native Americans were not considered citizens of the US.

[@rezmetisll1163]

@@mr.horrorchild4094 Also concerning African American's in the supreme court Dred Scott decision...Blacks were not considered citizen's but property. Very sad historical logic.

[@mr.horrorchild4094]

@@rezmetisll1163 Yeah, long time ago bad things happen.

[@rezmetisll1163]

@@mr.horrorchild4094 true!

[@gaengphedg5474]

Great to hear these things from another perspective.

[@valentinanikolaevna4122]

John Mearsheimer's point of view coincides with that of conservative Russian experts and ordinary people who, although being against war, nevertheless understand its inevitability. In Russia, many people opposed the decisions of the authorities in recent years and even decades, but the decision to launch a military operation was supported by the absolute majority of the population. Moreover, now people are ready to forgive the authorities many mistakes of the past in the hope of a reversal, of a global change in domestic and foreign policy. There will be no overthrow of power, which the West, I think, hopes for.

[@Asarat64]

This is a lie. The majority of people are against war but scared of repressions. Once Putin stops getting money to pay the police to beat the sit out of protesters, the situation is going to change.

[@quistar1]

Great analysis Professor John Mearsheimer! I saw your speech back 3 years ago, and, what do you know, its the reality today. I'm Taiwanese, grew up both in the middle east and US, while spending the rest of my time in China, so my opinion here is really not going to sit well with most Americans. The biggest issue is for Americans to understand that there are other ancient historical cultures around the world who has their government based on a history that's much older than United States of America. I'll give an example of Taiwan, which has a history older than United States, but not as old as China. Taiwan has been in this difficult political position with mainland China since the Ming Dynasty, and even more so during the Qing Dynasty where remnants of the Ming government were trying to revolt against Qing control. US has taken great advantage of this historical rift between the straits, and has successfully turned Taiwan into a democratic government, but please do not take this as a sign that democracy has won here in Taiwan. Taiwan is small and it needs a big ally to counter the then isolated CCP. Ask anyone now, if the day comes when Taiwan declares independence, 30% of Taiwanese population will relocate to China in a heartbeat, 30% will move to US, and the rest will have no choice but to stick around and prepare for war. Taiwan is just too small that you'd probably need a magnifying glass to find it on a map. Taiwanese are just realists, and this would be the primary difference between Ukrainians and Taiwanese. We just had 5 delegates from US visiting Taiwan 2 days ago, and Pompeo visiting yesterday. Frankly, these visits were met with skepticism and scorn from the majority of the population. Our first instinct is that they're probably here to make us buy more weapons, looking at how the US economy is doing. Ukraine never had its chance, with the leader of its country following scripts written by American politicians, which probably got delivered with excellence by Zelensky, as he is an actor after all. I remember Blinken giving a speech back in 2021 where he told the Ukrainians that US had its back (and reassured it). I'd bet big money that Zelensky probably had his doubts, but he was assured again by Blinken in 2022. It's probably why Zelensky is going on a frenzy right now posting a video almost everyday denouncing the west as being cowards. Honestly, I don't blame the guy, he's just a bit stupid. US on the other hand has a big moral issue here, and according to my time spent in the US, I'm pretty darn sure it won't sit well with the church or the military there too. Anyways, I had a feeling this was going to happen. Biden was the VP during Obama administration, and he had unfinished business. Lastly, its pretty obvious that Xi and Putin had something cooking, and this was pretty obvious to almost everyone I know. I just don't know how the Americans weren't able to catch on to it. I mean it was so obvious and out of character that I'd bet Xi probably felt like he was walking in public with his fly open.

[@janetdouglas1272]

This American saw it coming! Most americans are blind, busy or distracted. Much of the time all 3. The only thing anyone was talking 2 weeks was the Super Bowl & where they were going to watch it. Me, I am stressing out about WW3 breaking out very soon, and I could not give a shit about the SuperBowl!!! An American living in a small city in the Southwest USA.

[@Pomegranate_David]

Your comment and perspective on the conflict is one of the best I've read on any comments thread.

[@deejaye2647]

It is our alignment with Israel that is so dangerous. The Middle East wars were for Greater Israel. We have too many dual citizens in our government. No matter what happens and no matter who gets elected, Israel always wins.

[@quistar1]

@@deejaye2647 Although I do agree with you on the part of Middle East partially, I don't agree with regards to Israel. Israel - Palestine issue was a mess left behind by the British Empire, and the British Empire was a declining power, and gradually was being replaced by US. Most people probably forgot this, but back 100 years ago, the British empire was large and the English Pound was the world currency. WWII just sent the British Empire into so much economic collapse that US took over. Till this day, the British Pound is still one of the world currency. As to Middle East, I don't think anyone would find it surprising if they hate the US. I mean the most recent withdrawal from Afghanistan (Albeit an embarrassing one) left all Islamic countries shaking their heads. What I'm trying to say is, if US interfered and invaded these countries to make their lives better, it wouldn't have been an issue today. It's just the US left most of them poorer than they were before the invasion, and its hard to argue that any form of democracy took hold in these countries. It looks like democracy, functions like democracy, but I bet most Arabs are just oblivious of the value that Americans hold so dear today. Do it once and its shame on the US, do it twice then the Middle Eastern folks are going to reflect on themselves. Do it three times, and you'll probably receive a response like "I don't care"

[@quistar1]

@@shangyang6808 Its only offensive when the receiver can't fathom the fact that world order works just like the bully in your school. Bullies are usually bigger, taller and stronger and if you're smaller and weaker, you'd know to stay out of his way. The interesting observation here would be how the bully would react when another bully gets transferred over from another school. I can't help but quote Harris here; "Ukraine is a country in Europe ..................Russia decided to invade a smaller country called Ukraine, so basically that's wrong" LOL

[@theruthmyster]

I’ve loved professor mearshiemer since doing my post grad in IR in 2017! He’s very impartial in the interpretation of global politics which is refreshing from a western take

[@Aengrod]

He is impartial i.e. it's only the west fault.

[@jlpowell51]

@@Aengrod Turns out that's what an impartial review of the facts will tell you.

[@Aengrod]

@@jlpowell51:-> ..... the russian cries out in pain as he strikes you

[@borisgendelev4637]

What is the objective evidence that he is impartial or any more so than anyone else? Contrarian doesn't mean impartial.

[@jlpowell51]

@@borisgendelev4637 What is the objective evidence that he is contrarian? Reality backs up his point of view. You'll notice that the unipolar moment didn't usher in a new worldwide liberal democracy. You'll also notice that Russia and China never stopped playing realpolitik. Take Maslow's hierarchy of needs and remove every layer except the bottom two. What you have left is the driving force behind great power politics.

[@Vicky-Blue]

Insightful, honest analysis! What a departure from the MSM

[@LenaKozhevina]

from Russia with love! thank you so much

[@moerahman6749]

I’ve watched the mainstream media cover a few wars in my lifetime, and never has there been such a lack of debate or range of views as there is currently. Just because we want understand the root causes of a conflict does not mean we support Putin.

[@HonzaChudy]

The truth about the Ukrainian Nazis !!! Share it everywhere before the West erases this truth !!! kzbin.info/www/bejne/gnXCZYxoibaiqqM

[@bubblehead4270]

No dude we’re Russian bots and paid shills, didn’t you know? Lol

[@bubblehead4270]

@RYKKKKKK people on the internet will accuse you of being paid by Russia to say anything that remotely goes against the grain of what western media is saying. They assume you automatically support Putin. A paid shill would be someone who is paid to shill, or advocate on behalf of the person paying you.

[@fernandoesteban2345]

Thank you Professor. May your tribe increase. These are historic times given the geopolitical circumstances. We pray for commonsense and sobriety among the US leadership. For the sake of humanity, please give peace a chance.

[@ireneusz3233]

Mr Ray McGovern - Thank you for the truth - a fair assessment of the situation in Ukraine

[@ujean56]

The best of this video comes from the fact based recounting of events from both Ray McGovern and John Mearsheimer. The opinions from others sound remarkably American in their perspectives and altogether uninformed by comparison. It is always dangerous to assume anyone knows what a country like Poland or a leased region like Hong Kong "wants".

[@forebearing1320]

Jack Matlock aswell, former US ambassador to the soviet union... The others specially that lady plugging her book and the host were the worst.

[@variantofconcern1735]

I disagree, the others were useful in that they gave push-back and then he dismantled their arguments showing how naive they were.

[@falkonerr]

I thought Mearsheimer's argument was quite weak. Mearsheimer's "Appease the gorilla", "go along to get along", "might makes right" and "morality doesn't have anything to do with it" are argument's that enablers, sympathizers, geldings, war profiteers, soldiers, fascists and Nazi's used to support Hitler. History has been less than kind to them. These arguments of "morality doesn't have anything to do with it", are the same arguments used in all other unjustified wars of the past. It's a regurgitation of history. And history matters. How did Russia become the world's largest nation by area to begin with? How did the U.S.S.R. end up with the first 7 states that broke away in 89'? The spoils of war through Russian aggression. They called it the Warsaw pact as a counter to NATO, but it was an exercise of Russian control of the governments of these nations that led to it. I will remind readers, these nations have less than 1% Russian speaking people with no Russian culture. The 15 states that broke away in 90' and 91' had at most, less than 20% Russian speaking people, most of them in single digits. How did these states become a part of Russia? By Russian aggression and expansion through war. If we look back in history, we will see a pattern of Russia invading nations, controlling their governments, destroying cities, slaughtering those who remain and moving in their own people to take over the land. The pattern is there. This war isn't about NATO, it's about a Russian leader who has the inner circle political support to reclaim the old Soviet empire through war efforts and a leader who is willing to do what it takes to make that happen. What lengths is Putin willing to go to? Within 2 years of taking control of Russia, Putin bombed through spy agencies his own people as a false flag pretext to invade Chechyna: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russian_apartment_bombings en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_Chechen_War en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Grozny_(1999%E2%80%932000) The city of Grozny is highly important to understand the fate of Ukraine. Chechen declared independence fighting Yeltsin to a stalemate from 94' to 96'. In 99', Grozny was leveled to the ground. There were 50,000 that likely couldn't leave. They were slaughtered under Putin's orders. There were around 1,000 rebels that remained and Russia gave them a choice. "Leave or die, we just want the city but you have to leave within 24 hrs at a corridor we've mapped out for you". The Russians led them into a minefield and slaughtered them. Is any of this sounding familiar, especially so with the cities near eastern Russian borders? Defectors are not his people, they are subjects to be controlled at best and at worst traitors to be eliminated. One has to be Godless to make these kinds of choices. Godless, and mentally unwell. The Putin of today is the Putin of yesterday. This is the leader Mearsheimer suggests Ukraine should make peace and close ties with. Is that realistic at this point? Was it ever realistic? It makes sense if one has the same logic as the supporters of Hitler back in the day right, or any other tyrant in history. To the rest... not so much. Just ask yourselves how this will end for the Russian people now. We are witness not to the mere destruction of Ukraine or tightened grip on the other 14 who defected from Russia in 90' and 91', but we are also witness to the destruction of Russia in a large sense as they regress to a nation of 30+ years ago economically, socially, politically... The best word I can use to describe Putin is, "SLAVER". Remember this description the next time we read words from the Mearsheimer's of the world suggesting we "appease the gorilla", "go along to get along" and "might is right" or "morality doesn't matter". What Mearsheimer's choice boils down to, what he's really trying to talk Ukrainians into and changing U.S. support for, is Ukraine's willing slavery to an old Soviet empire. Remember, its right that makes true might and always will be. Jesus understood this. So did his father. If we are looking for righteousness, we should too. If readers are looking for an answer with a sentence, try this one: "if one can't live with it, then it's likely worth the risk of one's life in opposing it." Examples of this might be , an act of murder or an example like addiction. In Ukraine's case, its the same example as Hitler's: the examples of slavery and crimes of war. I continue to read comments that clearly come from people who don't know Russian history. What readers may not know or for some conveniently forget, is that Russia was initially an ally of Nazi Germany. Russia was a part of Poland's invasion at the beginning of WWII. Russia declared war on Finland and took over some land and took over the Baltic states in 1940 through war. Russia ended up negotiating to take over the 7 satellite states with armies 60 km's from the German border. Russia essentially strong armed for control of the 7 satellite states that left in 89' and took earlier control of the 15 states that separated in 1990 and 1991, through war before and following WW1. When I read comments that agree with Mearsheimer's narrow world view of Russia, Mearsheimer himself conveniently forgets Russia's history as an aggressor nation that expanded to it's heyday of the U.S.S.R. through war. History past and present largely suggests that they haven't changed. Commenters should take the time to read history before some of them choose to defend Russia and Russia's current invasion of Ukraine. Without a doubt, Russia is an aggressor nation that became the size that it was through war. Just read it for yourselves: smarthistories.com/soviet-russia/

[@ExpertofEverything]

The marvels of technology, I get to watch a discussion between great minds. The sad part is the dire circumstances of the situation. Thanks for uploading!

[@henrylicious]

It's odd being a pleb and seeing world leaders make errors in real time.

[@josemercado6672]

Ppppp

[@eymeeraosaka2954]

The Host(Moderator) don't sound very happy with Prof Mearsheimer views...but he speaks the truth...I have a great respect for the Prof and always enjoy listening to his views, some I may not like nor agree but his reasons are always very logical, frank, pragmatic and persuasive...

[@jimlewis7200]

Agreed, the host lusten to cnn and media, Russia is going to win.putin a smart dangerous man.America dont care about ukraine.

[@CrossbowManD]

People get upset with John because the reality he paints goes against everything they believe, and instead of being upset at the reality, they will be upset with John or anyone else that brings this to their attention. They're trying to enjoy a fake story, and John and people like him are treated like audience members of a play that constantly tell the other viewers that what they see on stage is fake.

[@justmiming]

The host also managed to slip in disinformation referring to the shoot down of MH17 and the poisoning. Really? He was getting in cheap shots that he knew wouldn’t be refuted because they didn’t belong in this discussion.

[@Pomegranate_David]

Yeah he was just very annoying and disrespectful to the guests, imposing his views onto the viewers, when we only care about what the experts think.

[@scottjwalker6251]

The moderator is a disingenuous halfwit speaking of the US commitment to self-determination. Had the US not been willing to fight the first fully-industrialized war and target noncombatants the Declaration of Independence would be regarded with amusement and derision by the Superpower that ascended in place of the Divided States of America.

[@caseymccauley5164]

The entire situation is sad, frustrating & disappointing but regardless the negative topic it was refreshing to listen to. I’ve been feeling all along that we, “the west” NATO, have been nothing but instigators in the situation. I can’t help but feel Ukraine & Russia would have had better chance of compromise without all of the interference. And those thoughts were confirmed in a few videos I’d watched with a couple very upset Ukrainians blaming the West for what’s happening to them. Nothing good will come of bidens obsession w sanctions. Only fuel to the fire & more lives hurt. I pray Zelensky can look within & realize he alone has the power to negotiate w Putin & that they find that common ground sooner than later for the people. That Biden is not his friend & is only using him to get at Russia.

[@tamara8908]

"We took a stick and poked The Bear in the eye. What Bear would not fight back?" John Mearsheimer WORD

[@befirmbefair6674]

No matter what the West does, Putin thinks he’s being poked. See the rise of Germany in the 30s and the cold war. Authoritarianism brooks no rivals.

[@ZhulingChen]

Sadly Russia is a paper tiger

[@nosuchthing8]

Putin was hell bent on grabbing as much land as he could. He had to strike before more countries joined NATO

[@tamara8908]

@@nosuchthing8 Did you pay attention to the lecture? It seems you didn't learn a thing.

[@zatoichiable]

Poor Ukrainians, lured by US to go against Russia then left all alone to fight ....

[@pzubets]

Professor Mearsheimer was right from the very beginning about all this. Hats off to him.

[@daniloadato865]

yes, my salute to prof. Mearsheimer

[@Narguhl]

Like when he said Putin would never try to conquer Ukraine because he would fail? kzbin.info/www/bejne/gKOwmoaHdqyCiZY "Putin is much to smart for that. [...] In fact. If you really wanna wreck Russia what you should do is you encourage it to conquer Ukraine. Putin again is much to smart to do that."

[@pzubets]

@@Narguhl no, when he was saying, that if Ukraine continues to get itself encouraged by West to play tough with Russians, it's going to get wrecked: kzbin.info/www/bejne/opfOXqSXprVljdU

[@pzubets]

@@Narguhl also I suggest you listen carefully to your own link, particularly from 24:00.

[@Narguhl]

​@@pzubets I was laughin so hard when he said that Ukraine is going a hardline way without compromise... while having Russia occupy Crimea and infiltrating Donbass Region and not doing anything about it. It is especially funny today when Russia has zero interest in any compromise with the Ukraine except for unconditional surrender. When there is a hardliner in the game it is not the Ukrainians.

[@AyayronBalakay]

This is a great lecture. Everyone should watch it.

[@randykane474]

Thanks so much for this thoughtful discussion. The situation is changing and I hope you would present this in a month.

[@dlineful]

The difference is that the Russians consider Ukrainians close relatives that were lead astray by the West, they will do everything to avoid civilian casualties. That’s the reason Kiev is not massively shelled yet.

[@galaxyrider9599]

Exactly!

[@irettx1394]

Finally someone who understands!

[@deaansugee]

You have videos of Ukrainians jumping on and pushing manned Russian tanks. People sell this material as Ukrainians "having a lot of balls", when in reality even they themselves know the Russians aren't there to harm them.

[@uzochiokeke4328]

@@deaansugee hey niko lets go bowling!

[@InqvisitorMagnvs]

Uh that’s why most of the frontline Russian Federation soldiers have not been Slavic Veliko Russians, but Asiatics peoples, particularly Muslim Chechens who don’t care at all about Ukrainian people.

[@Liberty-rn4wy]

This is great. I got my BA in International Relations in 1988 and particularly studied the US -Soviet Cold War relationship, including traveling once to communist East Germany. This is great information and much better than what you will get elsewhere.

[@binagupta3308]

What gives US the impression that the rest of the world wants to be like them the way they force their way everywhere.

[@MrPom6]

A crowd of villagers surround the bear and read him their rights to freedom.

[@Thesebjustseb]

Glad to see Mearsheimer sticking to his long-held position. It certainly won't be popular, but that's exactly why I have the feeling it's the truth.

[@bobdobb9017]

Sabastian, I’m going over the comments and we all think alike. We are a (small) core of critical thinkers it seems. We should have a channel!

[@nono6167]

@@bobdobb9017 reflexive contrarianism isn't critical thinking though, it's just a base intinct to try and feel like one is special.

[@Stop-and-listen]

@@bobdobb9017 The channel will be shut down in an instant. We have entered an era of extreme censorship.

[@Thesebjustseb]

@@bobdobb9017 Absolutely, but aside from having a channel, we need to implement this kind of thinking in US (and more broadly, Western) foreign policy. Realism in international politics is all about having a healthy respect for the interests of allies and adversaries alike - that is what will make us safer, not the uncompromising, imperial approach we've had until now.

[@Thesebjustseb]

@@nono6167 what's reflexive about a position one has held for over a decade?

[@pathos9864]

It started a couple of years before 2008. In 2006 Nato brought 100+ soldiers to Crimea to conduct “Sea Breeze” military exercises. I remember that time very well. It’s where I live. People had massive anti-Nato protests! Besides, it turned out that Sea Breeze exercise wasn’t approved by Ukrainian parliament. Those events were the red signal to Russia.

[@PolaN_d]

so they just came uninvited or yanukovych invited them?

[@pathos9864]

That’s a good question how that military troops brought by the US cargo ship Advantage got the legal (?!) permission to enter Feodosiya, Crimea. At that time, we had Yushenko (pro-western president) and the Ukrainian parliament didn’t get the majority of votes to allow that military exercise

[@PolaN_d]

i guess those were held annualy since 1997. and well Yushchenko was poisoned by russians in 2004 so no wonder he supported those.

[@pathos9864]

@@PolaN_d 1. those military exercises were never held annually on the territory of Crimea. Crimea has always played an important role for Russia with its fleet in Sevastopol. 2. I don’t have any trustworthy information what happened to mr. Yushenko, so I’m not gonna speculate on this subject.

[@PolaN_d]

@@pathos9864 1. Seabreeze were scheduled yearly since 1997. 2. and Lviv played an important cultural role for Poland, so? 3. don't speculate, dioxins were found in his body, and chloracne is a typical symptom.

[@joeb5080]

Excellent, all-around unbiased discussion. Enjoyed listening!

[@Maxim-pro-Nauku]

Thank you 🙏

[@abdourahmanealkhalifa191]

John has been proven to be right so far! As he said, if Russia starts loosing the war, the outcomes will be devastating not only for Ukraine, but the entire Europe!

[@markfischer3626]

Lots of nonsense here. Buffer zone. Russia has been invaded at least 6 major times and many other threats during its history. There are no natural obstacles to a land invasion from west of Russia. That's why it always wanted a buffer it called the near abroad. Today an attempt at a land invasion of Russia would be instant suicide. With up to 6800 strategic nuclear weapons and 2000 tactical nuclear weapons not only would the invading army be obliterated but so would the nation they came from. Russia doesn't need and cannot have an empire as a land invasion buffer. Existential threat. How much warning time would Russia have now if the US decided to launch a nuclear first strike? With 20 B2 stealth bombers each deploying one B83 1.2 megaton hydrogen bomb the warning time would be ZERO SECONDS. Russia does not have the technology to detect these planes. They are soon to be replaced by 100 to 200+ stealthier more advanced B21 bombers. The US could already station nuclear missiles on Russia's border. Why doesn't it? There's no reason to. A single Ohio class SSBN submarine could burn down all of Russia in 15 minutes. Those familiar with nuclear weapons technology know that the first explosions will be above the atmosphere blinding all of Russia's missile defense systems. They won't intercept a single American warhead. They can do the same to us. Ukranian Nazis. That can be dealt with by the ICC, the UNSC, and other international bodies without an invasion. If Ukraine won't cooperate the UNSC can impose crippling sanctions on Ukraine that will force them to comply. In preference to invasion would the UNSC agree to sanctions? I think so. The US had many opportunities to destroy the USSR with nuclear weapons without a second retaliatory strike. Why was it never even considered? Because it was never in America's interest. The Soviet government approached the US government about the nuclear annihilation of China. The US rejected that too. Castro tried to persuade Khrushchev to launch a nuclear first strike against the United States even though he knew his island would be incinerated shortly after. Mao also did the same.

[@proshacot]

@@markfischer3626 Ukrainian Nazies? I'm not sure what are you talking about and I'm originally from Ukraine.

[@blackant3799]

@@markfischer3626 Are you that same person in Quora who goes by the name Misha Fisher,that writes nonsense topics for naive western people.? Im 99.99% certain you are the same person.

[@antipropo461]

@@proshacot That's weird maria,because the UN has described and proscribed the Nazi Azov since 2014,when these ultra right wing nationalist racists spearheaded theatrics on the Russian speaking people of Eastern Ukraine. How is it you haven't heard of them?

[@markfischer3626]

@@blackant3799 No. That is not me. KZbin is the only place I troll. Tell me what you believe and I'll tell you why you're wrong.