Stephen Kotkin: Putin, Stalin, Hitler, Zelenskyy, and War in Ukraine | Lex Fridman Podcast

Stephen Kotkin is a historian specializing in Stalin and Soviet history. Please support this podcast by checking out our sponsors:
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EPISODE LINKS:
Stephen's Website: history.princeton.edu/people/...
Stalin: 1878-1928 (Vol 1): amzn.to/3NvokpC
Stalin: 1929-1941 (Vol 2): amzn.to/3wIYqsT
PODCAST INFO:
Podcast website: lexfridman.com/podcast
Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2lwqZIr
Spotify: spoti.fi/2nEwCF8
RSS: lexfridman.com/feed/podcast/
Full episodes playlist: • Lex Fridman Podcast
Clips playlist: • Lex Fridman Podcast Clips
OUTLINE:
0:00 - Introduction
2:19 - Putin and Stalin
13:09 - Putin vs the West
36:01 - Response to Oliver Stone
47:07 - Russian invasion of Ukraine
1:26:35 - Putin's plan for the war
1:34:33 - Henry Kissinger
1:40:28 - Nuclear war
1:51:01 - Parallels to World War II
2:13:47 - China
2:21:55 - World War III
2:29:24 - Navalny
2:33:41 - Meaning of life
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[@lexfridman]

Here are the timestamps. Please check out our sponsors to support this podcast. 0:00 - Introduction & sponsor mentions: - Lambda: lambdalabs.com/lex - Scale: scale.com/lex - Athletic Greens: athleticgreens.com/lex and use code LEX to get 1 month of fish oil - ExpressVPN: expressvpn.com/lexpod and use code LexPod to get 3 months free - ROKA: roka.com/ and use code LEX to get 20% off your first order 2:19 - Putin and Stalin 13:09 - Putin vs the West 36:01 - Response to Oliver Stone 47:07 - Russian invasion of Ukraine 1:26:35 - Putin's plan for the war 1:34:33 - Henry Kissinger 1:40:28 - Nuclear war 1:51:01 - Parallels to World War II 2:13:47 - China 2:21:55 - World War III 2:29:24 - Navalny 2:33:41 - Meaning of life

[@marcsavoie6955]

thank you for time stamps

[@TheAeroman90]

I hope you succeed in Ukraine and Russia

[@moonrakingmilksop]

Sorry, Lex. This was a weak guest and a weak interview. But hey! You have great guests too and do great interviews too! No one bats a thousand!

[@craigscott2315]

NATO's invasion of the slavic peoples lands! It isn't the first second of third time the past thousand years! Not overly interested in the opinions of american people who have advocated the murder of 60 million babies! Not least devastated numerous regions and peoples across the planet! Britain and the u.s. flooded china with cheep rice driving local producers out of business!

[@matthewgrannan1694]

i no b

[@blakesanders4085]

I think this complement could be taken the wrong way, but these interviews remind me of Charlie Rose. Minimalist studio, no distractions, interesting guests, calm delivery of thoughtful questions. Lex is definitely filling a space that needs to be filled. Well done

[@yoseidman4166]

Yes I always tell people. Lex took over the important space left by CR

[@gustavogonzalez8303]

Let's hope Lex doesn't let us down with a scandal like CR. I agree with you: lex is great!

[@steveot]

All I can say is "You got Punked" Lex and worse than that You did NO homework at all. There are dozens of lies that he told you, knowing that by stroking your ego, he would get away with it. You Lex was a lamb that was led to slaughter. Willingly.

[@warrens.5933]

I think it's a great complement. Charlie was definitely a top-tier interviewer. I only had public access growing up so he was the first to expose me to long form interviews, which was truly some of the most wholesome content Public TV had to offer. Then it was Rogan who exposed me to podcasts. Then Lex, who I think Is currently carrying the torch

[@auto51]

I always loathed Charlie Rose. He had great great guests but he always butted in to his guests answers, never letting them answer fully, so irritating! What an ego that man had. Lex never does that…ever. Great set yes, so stylish.

[@hanneoustrup1628]

As an 80 years old Dane living in Denmark on a small Island called Fejoe, I am trilled to listen to this interwiev. IT gives me an outwiev og the greater political situation. I am indeed thankful for this posibily.

[@reddeercanoe]

Yes as a 70 year old Canadian living in the sticks I greatly enjoy the internet that brings me these wonderful lectures!

[@MarsLonsen]

skål, kamelåså!

[@SleazyMouse]

mkay

[@HowardRoark5150]

Hello Hanna!

[@mathieutyler8745]

it's not healthy to make up stories for likes and responses in the comment section on KZbin

[@bevanabrey7865]

Mearsheimer debating Kotkin would be pretty interesting. Perhaps with Oliver Stone and Neil Ferguson acting as their respective wingmen. Then we'll get Noam Chomsky and Jeffrey Sachs to do a post-debate analysis. Okay, now I'm just getting silly.

[@lifesquandered]

I'm here for it 🍿

[@zulutda1]

Thank you for offering in depth interviews that challenge and help broaden my mental abilities.

[@claudiomarinangeli2360]

Lex, plese have one more interview with Stephen Kotkin now (Sep 2022). I think it'd be so interesting to see his evolved view few more months in the war.

[@scottdavis4439]

For sure!!!

[@collinsoluoch5520]

Exactly

[@paulinalcoser2984]

Yes!

[@ShahidKhan-eq1gx]

I totally agree and I find Kotkin really professional, informative and interesting

[@ldhorricks]

yes please especially what he thinks of Putin's deranged speech on Red Square recently

[@rivertowers520]

Take a drink every time Stephen says “Lex”. You’ll have a 2-day hangover.

[@arkytitan]

And you know, Chris, you are very right about it, Chris.

[@renopro3639]

Not if you are Russian

[@PeterArthurMartin]

@@renopro3639 LOL

[@veerchand8968]

more like die of alcohol poisoning halfway through

[@syon600]

@ Chris No sweeter sound than your name. How to win friends and influence Dale carnegie, iirc

[@jeremyswanson1108]

This guy has a real ominous tone. Very informative. Loves to say "Lex"... i mean a LOT. Every 30 seconds or so.

[@saoirse_mavourneen]

Yes, I found the way he constantly said Lex, combined with his tone, a bit off and slightly creepy.

[@kevinmcinerney1959]

Stephen Kotkin is a master of communication. In general he is being affectionate and fatherly by addressing him by his first name, talking to a younger man, Where he talks about Stone and Mearsheimer, he is drawing himself up, and asserting his knowledge and authority. And his emotional response to what he sees as a bogus claim. I have seen him lecturing. When his students ask him questions, he thinks for a moment and then says "Great question........what do YOU think?". He then listens respectfully, and ties together the student's thoughts with his own. I deeply admire him.

[@dangin8811]

@@kevinmcinerney1959 he's an intellectual pigmy, nothing impressive about him, except, I suppose for his manner of expression which could give the impression that he is smart.

[@bellaluna730]

@@kevinmcinerney1959yes but it still sounds condescending as though he is the father of wisdom and Lex is the naive child.

[@kevinmcinerney1959]

@@bellaluna730 I'd stand by my description. Take this exchange Kotkin "Let's take that point that you just raised which is a deep and fundamental point, and I think you for that" Fridman "Do you guys hear that? I think that was a compliment.." Kotkin "Lex. I'm sitting here in front of you" Fridman "It's an honor" Kotkin "And it's a mutual honor" I think that shows more than token respect to Fridman. Kotkin has appeared twice on this forum. I

[@hamburgerjoe4401]

After seeing this podcast I went back and watched a lot of other lectures by Stephen Kotkin. He's not always this concise, but wow he's good here.

[@cuttysark57]

Would be very interesting to hear a conversation between Mearsheimer and Kotkin.

[@mariasaraalvarado8058]

Yes, it will be interesting

[@havanasyndrome3024]

The CIA shill Kotkin would never agree to it.

[@AvanaVana]

Mearsheimer is a stooge and a false intellectual who would be utterly destroyed by Kotkin’s vast expertise and rigor.

[@zachhoward9099]

@@AvanaVana lol doubtful

[@janespring2277]

Thank you for such an interesting discussion from two men who understands how important history is as a way to make better decisions in the future.

[@Yuhe1026]

Me, a Chinese, listening to him talking about China at 1 AM in the morning. I've watched all your clips about China and communism

[@teddybearroosevelt1847]

Good thing you’re trying to form a well balanced picture of the history of your country. Commendable

[@TheLAZYcc]

Kotkin sounds extremely Agnorant. 無禮和無知, 可笑又可悲I bet he cannot understand any Chinese but love to make judgments on China. May be he cannot understand any Russian too…..

[@gto433]

Its simple, east bad, west good. Orange man bad , sleepy man good.

[@DeathZeroTolerance]

TBH, this guys only good take on China is the most obvious, the housing bubble...but let's be real, in the US, median homeprices/median income is higher than it was during 2008...it's not like we're doing much better. I agree with CCP reigning in their technology sector. Jack Ma is no Elon Musk, he's a foolish narcissist that would have destroyed the country. I'm sure CCP was watching how google/ms/twitter/fb were breaking the general consensus of Americans and rule of law and said FUCK THAT! "Tibet is Ukraine, Xinjiang is Ukraine, Hong Kong is Ukraine". Lol well in that case Iraq is Ukraine, Afghanistan is Ukraine, Ukraine is Ukraine....this guy's Western bias is nearly unbearable. World seems awfully fragile at the moment...impossible global debt spiral, record global energy crisis, and a potential for nuclear war over energy/resources....LOVE HOPE PEACE

[@TheLAZYcc]

Old man good

[@katherinegarelli2889]

I can never get enough of Stephen Kotkin. Another wonderful informative program. Thank you

[@asdfasd95]

Now I'd love to see a debate between Oliver Stone and Stephen Kotkin mediated by you, Lex! That would be very insightful. I feel like both of them come from a completely different factual understanding and it would be good to clarify what's correct and what's not. If I have to be honest, Kotkin was very easy on what the US government has done and glossed over a lot of very suspicious things. The comments about NATO being defensive could be true on paper, but that's not what NATO's done (Yugoslavia? Of course, I'm not debating whether it was morally right or wrong, just pointing out that NATO was the aggressor there. There was no defensive cause for action on NATO's side and not to mention that they did bomb civilians there which has never been fully investigated to the point of prosecution). The mentions about Syria being Russia's fault when the US was heavily involved, all the things in the Middle East which the US has done and so on. The whole thing about democratic countries where Russia has to become like Monaco or Austria, etc. - fair enough, but doesn't the US also need to do that? They've always wanted to be treated a bit special, a bit like the UK. It felt like Stephen has a much better knowledge of the written facts, but they haven't been critically analysed. On paper, US is a saint, in reality they are not. A lot of the unwritten history is why there is so much controversy. Of course, on the other hand, Stone was a lot easier on Russia and a lot more critical of the US. It feels like having both guests simultaneously would lead to a very, very fascinating debate on the topic. Both interviews were amazing in their own right though! Big, big props, this was extremely educational!

[@Kahu12]

Totally 👍

[@SDNickyRocks]

Or Col. MacGregor

[@edwardbeadle4514]

​@@SDNickyRocks Oliver Stone is a somewhat insightful individual. MacGregor on the other hand is a propagandist that pulls facts out of thin air ala. Tucker Carlson; nothing to be learned from listening to him.

[@tfratello]

better to have Professors John Mearsheimer and/or Jeffrey Sachs

[@laxiton]

Was looking for this type of comment. He just takes some point as obviously truthful from one side and while a lot of people feel they are debatable. A lot of the things he blames Russia can be said about US/NATO as well... I am not surprised he is popular in leftist circles. I do agree with @tfratello that John Mearsheimer might be a better match perhaps if they would go into the nitty gritty details. @lexfridman please please make it happen

[@s_oh]

Kotkin is a huge breath of fresh air after watching Stone here.

[@andrewminnich5106]

Huge breath of Ukraine propaganda...here's the "best guy to lead the country" kzbin.info/www/bejne/b3exdX6apdl1iLs

[@Cazza1206]

Definitely, I nearly unsubscibed from Lex for having that pos Stone on, but I got over myself 😂

[@offensivediscourse8514]

@@Cazza1206 Get over yourself

[@Cazza1206]

@@offensivediscourse8514 🤣 I clearly said I did

[@offensivediscourse8514]

@@Cazza1206 i read the first half of your comment and replied before reading the second half. My bad.

[@lucaspedrajas5622]

this man's way of expressing himself is amazing, the cadence of his words is full of security

[@megamillionfreak]

He’s a Russia-hating Ju. What else is new? His hatred keeps him on his goal.

[@michaeldelisieux]

Pure wisdom!

[@jorgemarbur]

But he talks a lot of nonsense. Everything be mentions can be applied to the USA. To start with, the USA is such an imperialist country that it is the only to drop atomic bombs on foreign soil while thousands of American diabetics inject with insulin for dogs. Regards from Spain!

[@simplicius11]

A clown.

[@afriedli]

He's an imbecile who expresses himself well. Almost everything he says is complete nonsense, which is clear to anyone with a critical faculty. Increasingly, you don't even need a critical faculty - merely eyes to observe the unfolding fiasco across every domain that is developing with respect to the war in Ukraine. When you are trying to solve a problem it helps if your understanding has some connection with reality. Kotkin's has none.

[@howardtith160]

Great insight and summary by Stephen Kotkin! Please bring him back to do an update, as a year has passed. Thank you Lex.

[@JLMtime]

WHAT THIS MAN IS SAYING IS WRONG china is giving Russia everything they need he is full of crap

[@spudwesth]

Kotkin lies.

[@chookachooka2985]

@@spudwesth😂ok

[@vgames6792]

sure if you are into braindead propaganda BS 🤡🤡🤡

[@hughbarr8408]

What head space do you inhabit? Rabid hatred of Putin and Russia? Ah well, you are being given a very good lesson. Now watch the West collapse now the truth is emerging.

[@WhiteGoldtube]

Wow, so impressed with Stephen Kotkin, his depth of observation and ability to articulate. Humility also. The world would be a much better place with more men like him.

[@tomaso0]

These are precisely the kind of calm, rational and insightful conversations that the world desperately needs to hear. None of the propaganda from the TV, simply people talking. Thank you for your work

[@Mrchristuranoh]

Civilized.

[@jessdunaway8423]

I agree however, the amount of information and insight cannot be overstated. The rise of podcast with shows doing hours long deep dives into previously subjects dominated by 10 min soundbites of establishment directives translates to hope in the future of world society as a whole. Well done, Lex!

[@scroopynooperz9051]

Calmly spoken, long winded propaganda is still propaganda 😂 "Countries are sovereign and can freely choose the alliances they want to join".. this Kotkin guy. Yeah, except when those countries are named Cuba, Venezuela, Iran, Syria etc. There seems to be a sizable cognitive dissonance here. This guy is clearly in the tank for a specific side. Also this guy, "we live in a democracy and we can criticize the government." 🤣 Where is Julian Assange right now? in what old Soviet bunker does Edward Snowden have to hide away in, for fear of CIA / NSA assassination? Lol Anytime someone whitewashes a particular side, you know they're fulla sh!t. Trust the ones that at least attempt objectivity and a full spectrum analysis.

[@bergssprangare]

THe olf Dart is crazy and a warmonger..Azov is nazi and international law forbid nazi parties,,They kill women in Donbas for real and with impunity..not some imaginal rape stories..Why can Kosovo break free from Serbia but not Donbass can't..Olf Duck

[@joanmavima5423]

@@scroopynooperz9051 Agree. 😑

[@GoatMeal66]

Having watched the Oli Stone interview, I have to say I really appreciate the diverse perspectives you have on the show, Lex. Great stuff

[@Evghenios79]

fully agree, i've watched both i agree with some of the points each made and disagree with some, having both viewpoints like that , allows for a better understanding as well as a more clear perspective of everything going on. I hope he manages to get an interview with Putin as well and perhaps even Biden

[@gdiwolverinemale2745]

By diverse, you mean Kotkin's drivel about some imaginary friendliness of the Western countries towards Russia, and Trump being misled by Putin. This guy is as an unbalanced propagandist as they come.

[@tommck2386]

Oliver Stones opinions about Ukraine was shocking. Im tired of A-list actors and directors trying to pontificate to the masses. I have always enjoyed Oliver Stones movies, and enjoy watching many a fine actor im a movie. But please can they just start sticking to what they know

[@gdiwolverinemale2745]

@@tommck2386 So after many years, the first time Stone says something you don't like, you don't trust him? The Wall Street was a masterpiece, particularly the Teldar Paper speech. Stone obviously knows his stuff. Why don't you trust him now?

[@giulio9476]

I don't think he have done a really good job, an interviewer should be equal to everyone, and lex pushed back a lot more here than in the Oliver podcast

[@johncromwell2529]

Where is Stephen? We need him more than ever Get that book done sir and save this world!

[@TheMeaningofHaste]

It's high time mr Kotkin came back to the show! It would be very informative to hear his opinion on the ongoing war and the latest developments.

[@317hyw]

It took me 11 hours to do the math but he said “Lex” more than any other guest combined 🤯

[@rufex2001]

Mob tactics. They constanty remind you they know who you are... Already used it in Casino...

[@TheKalenj]

The way he talks is so hard to listen to

[@alexdod606]

clasic condescending

[@tobiassander3995]

This is your main takeaway? Pathetic.

[@ryangarvey9325]

@@alexdod606 saying the name of the person you're speaking to isn't condescending

[@robb1324]

I'm glad Joe Pesci became a historian. He's a damn good one now!

[@Djsmt2250]

Yep his face interface kept coming up when I was listening to it in Spotify 😆

[@megamillionfreak]

Kot is a Russia-hating ju. What else is new? His kind has designs on America, too. We’re being invaded and replaced as we speak.

[@bricktopmedic]

Am I a Historian to you? Do I look Historical to you?

[@djbabbotstown]

He is but he’s lacking on his current events a bit. Russia has depleted a huge percentage of NATO arms passed on to UKR and pretty much annihilated Ukraines armour, artillery, airforce, navy. The largest army in Europe by a distance in February. They’ve done it with heavy losses but less than Ukraine. And here a very interesting bit. Their manpower has been roughly equivalent to Ukrainian. Approx 200k. Even though they had a lot more to throw from standing forces. What ever war they are fighting isn’t the projected, laser guided, always own the air, can’t politically stomach losses war America has hogtied its forces into. The goal are clear. Maybe brutal. And it seems a mix of the first war (artillery is still king), the second war (fast mechanised armour spears for breakthrough and low level combat air support). And then I think the unpredicted bit. Overwhelming intermediate ballistic missiles rather than complete air dominance. Behind the media bullshit. Europe and Americas military doctrinal planners are watching with great curiosity. And probably respect. And not a fuck ton of civilians dead which always seem to be an unintended consequence of American doctrine. Which will sacrifice 500 brown skins accidentally killed if it saves a few GIs. You lose the people as soon as you win the war. Now. The question is. How these strategies would match up when they face real foes. Like each other. Very hard to know. Of it comes down to willingness of men to die. In great numbers? Just take a look at American internal political and cultural pulse. Yanks hate each other more than anyone else.

[@jacoreyjones2059]

@robb1324 I went to the comments just to see if anyone else noticed 😂😂

[@ulfsoderberg2581]

Can you have on Kotkin and Mearsheimer, together. Would be interesting.

[@chukwuebukakingsley8126]

Have always thought so too. A debate between them would be amazing.

[@Bognostrokulum]

This guy sounds more like an apprentice of Goebels, than an unbiased historian.

[@erikthompson8389]

In what way?

[@Steril707]

Kotkin is one of the best speakers I have ever witnessed in my long life.

[@Shakespeare2023]

Well, he is just says very well rounded propaganda. One must know much more, from external sources, to see where is he rounding the truth and puts soap on the round edges.

[@Oldysrv]

I had to listen to this multiple times....Amazing! Pls bring this man back

[@DonAl_Capone]

Bring him back after nato collapses and Russia annihilates Ukraine ahah

[@wc8246]

​@@DonAl_Capone so never bring him back then?

[@jeremiahthompson8951]

​@@wc8246you want to take back you message yet?

[@JLMtime]

WHAT THIS MAN IS SAYING IS WRONG china is giving Russia everything they need he is full of crap russia is doing much better in this war then stephen kotkin is saying

[@realdemocracy11]

You need to bring on Jeffery Sachs to re-balance this picture.

[@dfostar6971]

Love your interviews. Can you do another one with him again soon?

[@austinbowling3590]

Having an interview with Stephen Kotkin and Oliver Stone to discuss Russia in such a short time period is a major achievement. I'm not sure exactly how to put it, but it can't be understated just how much insight we received in such a short time period.

[@MattAngiono]

It's good, but really he needs them both in the same room.... Just doing one interview and then another doesn't really allow the challenging of ideas that would be ideal.... I think Scott Ritter should also be in the room for that discussion, because I just see so many assumptions being made here, and his perspective is also highly enlightening

[@felicisimomalinao698]

A historian should NOT abuse the RAPE METAPHOR - it is AD HOMENEM. Historians should stick to facts - Kotkin is a bad historian

[@bergssprangare]

patronising intelligentia is the worst intelligentia..He would love it under Stalin

[@stickjohnny]

I agree with you in part but if you get two extreme shills on opposite sides of the spectrum most of what you get is lies and BS.

[@Ashdad99]

Lex very rarely pushes back, instead he says let me play devils advocate or something like that. I don't know kotkin's work so I can't know where he's biased or not, but I do know Oliver Stones work and how much real life in person digging goes into a project. Kotkin seems like he doesn't want to put the US on the hook for any of whats happening now, and actually makes it sound like we've been great to russia, when I know from my own research that is so far from the truth. I feel lex doesn't want to offend his guests, but on rogan he told people to check out Oliver Stones work and that goes against kotkin. By the way im no fan of Putin, I just know how deplorable the US is and what they've been doing to russia for 3/4 of a century

[@martijnhendriks6659]

This has to be one of the most interesting geopolitical podcasts I have seen in a long time. Thank you Lex.

[@afriedli]

My expectation when watching this discussion is that Kotkin's remarks were not going to age well (i.e. he was going to be proved wrong about everything). However, I did not expect this to be apparent so soon. Being interesting and wrong is completely worthless. Indeed, it is worse that worthless because it serves to mislead. The thoughtless idiociy being spread by Kotkin ad others of his ilk is going to cost Ukrainians very dearly in pain and misery.

[@MrCyaltrbye]

He literally explains alternate possibilities when presenting information, but I’ll remember your comment and see how IT ages. Also, as an aside, strongly disagree about “being interesting and wrong” is worthless. Expands your universe of thought

[@afriedli]

@@MrCyaltrbye Putting a gun against your head and pulling the trigger is interesting, but dumb. Try it and see how well it "expands your universe of thought." If you do dumb shit in the realm of foreign policy, it may lead to war. If you then do dumb shit in the conduct of that war, you may end up dead. I suppose if you are dumb enough to make these blunders, you are probably also dumb enough to call them 'thought-expanding.' Of course, in a sense you are right: the kind of dumb shit that Kotkin comes out with has no consequences for him, and so could be considered 'thought-expanding.' However, that is to miss the rather important point that it's dumb shit. Leaving aside logical and empirical considerations, there is also a question of morality. When the topic under consideration concerns matters of life and death, you really should treat it with greater seriousness than the intellectual equivalent of masturbation.

[@afriedli]

@@ahmedabdullahi8180 You illustrate perfectly the problem with this interview: people come away after watching it believing there is a Russian Federation war on Ukraine. This is about as accurate as describing the American civil war as round two of the War of Independence against the British. In some respects it is a plausible definition, except in every important respect. Kotkin's understanding is like walking into a fairground hall of mirrors where everything is upside down, or fatter than it should be, or thinner, or receding into the distance, or looming over you. Any analysis is as good as the conclusions you can draw from it, and thus the forecasts you can make. But events in Ukraine and globally are not going in the expected direction. He reminds me of the geniuses before the Iraq war about whom it would be fair to say that everything they insisted couldn't happen did happen, and nothing they said would happen actually did. However, this makes Catkin quite useful as a heuristic: whatever he says, believe the opposite and you won't be far off.

[@afriedli]

@@ahmedabdullahi8180 You are mostly missing 8+ million Ukrainians who are ethnic Russians, the failed state that has existed since the disintegration of the Soviet Union, external influence amounting to interference, the abandonment of the Westphalia principles by Germany in the Balkans, with the inevitable wars that resulted, the same policy directed towards Ukraine through the EU, and the civil war that has been raging there for nearly a decade that was quietly ignored by the same parties who now express outrage about the current round in essentially the same conflict. What you miss is that there has not been a transition from a state of peace to a state of war in recent months, but merely from one state of war to another state of war. Furthermore, however painful, there is more chance of it ending peacefully since the recent Russian intervention than there was a few months ago. What is also missed is the global escalation of this conflict 'on principle' by the same powers that have hitherto demonstrated a complete absence of principle, and those who will bear the cost of this global escalation - namely, those who are most economically vulnerable - in the West and elsewhere. Not understanding this context is to understand nothing, which I'm afraid is rather Kotkin's condition.

[@user-xf3kz8oc6g]

Might be my favourite video on youtube. SK is an absolute treasure

[@jeanrevolus5571]

Lex gave the guess a pass on so many subjects. He was saying that Truman had to push back again the Soviet Union. What about pushing back against the West interventions throughout the world?

[@ohmaramusic]

Truman probably was only vice president then.

[@wendyfay16]

Has this guest returned since this podcast? I'd love to hear his take on Putin and Ukraine now!

[@Realist369]

👍and what about today?

[@Neauxluh]

And what about today lol

[@Realist369]

@@Neauxluh do you live under a rock? It’s boys and girls against the #1 army in the world .Total defeat and capitulation is inevitable

[@ghost_1153]

Well i like to hear him now talk about a diminishing weak russia that makes us (the west) look like dumbasses after we spent all this money in aid and we made all these speeches just for it to have no effect.

[@juancavacch1870]

I would like to see him now saying that Russia ran put of ammo, Putin has seven Parkinsons, the Russians are fighting with shovels, the Russian economy is in "tatters" and the West is doing great, because you now, it is the West😅

[@WaterproofingUSA]

Thank you Lex for interviewing professor Stephen Kotkin. I could not believe that I can hear someday on internet such a thoughtful analyzes and humanistic opinions. People should listen to historians.

[@captainchokdee1039]

But 1 month on, his stance is 180 degrees incorrect.

[@bogdanryabyshchuk4488]

@@captainchokdee1039, Lex’s or Kotkin’s?

[@captainchokdee1039]

@@bogdanryabyshchuk4488 kotkin. He is so wrong on Ukraine situation

[@bogdanryabyshchuk4488]

@@captainchokdee1039, what happened in the month since the interview? Also, if something is 180 incorrect, doesn’t it make it correct 🤔

[@origintrackz5235]

@@bogdanryabyshchuk4488 I keep reading people saying hes wrong, so i must clearly be missing something myself. personally i think he hit the head on the nail!

[@GeorgePaul-dz9bi]

Professor Kotkin is a delightful classical political sophist. Lex Fridman hosts intelligent, knowledgeable and analytical guests.

[@sebastianp3115]

It would be interesting to see the claims made and analysis offered by Kotkin reviewed a year later for accuracy. Not sure many would stand up favourably

[@ramonemiliochaconperdomo7225]

For example?

[@snarveien1853]

Kotkin needs to debate Jeffrey Sachs on West's ḧelp" on Russia. If I listen to Jeffrey Sachs, who were involved with US dealings with Russia right after Soviet Collapse, those "help" were insincere & half-baked. I believe Jeffrey Sachs over Kotkin. Those points about Russia economy & need for western tech did not happen. I don't agree with imperialistic Putin. I would go for John Mearsheimer, realist IR scholar over Kotkin

[@gMan-kx3zy]

Barely anything would…he described zelensky in an almost churchillian way…now its clear zelensky is a drugged up, corrupt actor who was chosen western countries to play the propaganda role snd take instructions…history has revealed kotkins bias and he should be discounted as a serious historian

[@stephenbrody2717]

Wow one of the most intellectually driven people I have heard speak about history. His choice of words when speaking was mesmerizing. I love this guy. Lex another great interview. Lex keeps getting great guests. Lex be safe on your travels.

[@carylhalfwassen8555]

I like Victor Davis Hanson also, but he is more folksy, drawing on his rural background and links to blue collar attitudes.

[@0-m-1-n-0-u-5]

Why don't you just marry him, then? Just kidding.

[@Elnegro..]

Yeah he was good in the history bit, everything else such as his god awful analogy was god awful.

[@sbaumgartner9848]

I just re-watched this. Stephen Kotkin never fails to impress me. What he said last May is still so relevant and insightful. We don't give historians like him the accolades they deserve.Every adult North American should be listening to or reading what this man has to say.

[@morm608]

This guy is a propagandist. He pretends to know who putin speaks to or what happens inside the kremlin, wich is absurd.

[@kathreenpoulos3341]

How old are you the west is responsible for most of the wars and destruction of our society. The west is not a friendly player on the world stage they are the bullies and propagandist. KOTKIN follows the western propaganda.

[@mac-xk1ec]

Kids

[@AvanaVana]

Agreed, he’s the indisputable master of the topic. Btw, his “good fellows” appearance with the Hoover Institution a few months ago is equal parts entertaining and enlightening as well, not least because he sounds exactly like Joe Pesci…

[@Alex-hu5eg]

Every adult on earth should be listening to him. Including us, europeans

[@Patrick17-]

" 26:46 you cool with that?" those statements about the precursor actions to the cold war were brilliant. this guys geopolitical knowledge is of the charts.

[@Patrick17-]

its like getting a wonderfully informative lecture of Harry before his midnight raid with Marv, on Kevins house

[@alexusnag]

Thank you, Lex, for bringing Kotkin after Stone.

[@nicolasdelaforge7420]

I agree- both of them.

[@Serbian1985]

Kotkin is a pathetic nwo shill. Stone is 100% correct

[@Serbian1985]

“ Truman administration deserves credit for standing up to stalin regime “ Yea and also dropping 2 atomic bombs murdering millions of innocent civilians. This guy is a disgrace and a fraud. Stone owns him

[@slartybarfastb3648]

Someone needed to counterbalance Stone.

[@MadIvano]

Stone should be arrested.

[@ihor2939]

Thank You Lex for inviting Stephen right after Oliver Stone. I think it's a great way to discuss some of the hard topics. As a Ukrainian, I believe Stone's view is simply wrong so it's great to see Kotkin's response.

[@ZaKrakilla]

I am Romanian and I find it just as insulting. He clearly doesn't understand the historical conditions, the struggle of the people here, he doesn't even get the whole picture. He almost blamed you, us and all the countries around here for sufferind under Rusia. He denied all our people sacrificies while painting Putin as some decent guy. No wonder Ukraine banned him, I think that he is in danger in the entire Eastern Europe after his ignorant claims... So, this interview was refreshing, finally someone that actually understands what is happening today while also with the informations to look at it from a historical point of view... Great interview!

[@MiguelFlores-pm9wn]

But he understands Putin

[@jetpromys]

I agree, Stone lost credibility when he made that stupid JFK movie.

[@adventuresvancouversailing2415]

@@ZaKrakilla Careful here. Polarization gets us nowhere. Stone produces documentaries that are meant to question our views. Every side has their unpleasant laundry which leaves us closer to the truth. Putin is not a monster he is a man among many in this play. Leadership is hard, history is often harder.

[@SpaseRistov]

And as a Ukranian you allowed jew to rule you and to get you in a war with a Slavic Orthodox brothers

[@martinbull7541]

I don't mind this podcast but I really wish KZbin would stop putting him as the next in line on autoplay every God damn time

[@Academics684]

Kotkin is an academic power house. A breath of fresh air in the brave new world of Twitter talk and thought.

[@chrisbremner8992]

😂

[@jesusjuarezflores2196]

16:00 "destroy Russia" A British, first NATO secretary said 70 years ago: "NATO has been made to keep Russians OUT, Americans IN and Germans DOWN." Divide & reigns. So far so good.

[@TheBruntje]

I would love to see a debate between Professor Kotkin and Professor Mearsheimer

[@rap3208]

This kptkin guy will be demolished.

[@amandacollyer645]

Ohhhh, good one.

[@dannyadzic3335]

Yes both are extremely biased

[@philavise6607]

@@dannyadzic3335 It would be a great debate because they both make good factual points for the side they're speaking on. Not because they're extremely biased. We see extremely biased people in the news every day lol.

[@youtubeoppressivecensorshi8047]

Saying we should do conscription military is stupid . Less motivated troops and we make us less likely to defend ourselves . This guy says we should wait until we are invaded to fight back. We should have done no fly zone in Ukraine but joe Biden didn’t . Putin smells weakness like a shark

[@lisabosler6066]

Please please invite professor kotkin on the podcast again. We NEED to hear from him with all that’s developing in the war plus other geopolitical factors at play. Thank you! Love you Lex.

[@akenaden]

Lex needed to hear this.

[@dopeboyvid8988]

I read both of his books on Stalin since the last podcast. Huge fan of Kotkin!

[@666steinRamm]

It's really cool when somebody who ACTUALLY knows Russian history talks about Russia

[@larrylucid5502]

Too bad his reply to Oliver Stone is beyound shallow and obtuse. He doesnt seem stupid enough to really believe what hes saying, which can only mean hes renting his opinion to the train of western propaganda.

[@markb8468]

Same here. He's very insightful and nuanced.

[@RR-et6zp]

What did you learn about him?

[@keithremedy]

@@markb8468 he’s too much of a statist though

[@AHowardAz]

a week full of interviews of Stephen and Victor Davis Hanson would be a perfect week for me. Let's do Victor next, Lex!!

[@martinleepgg]

Lex chat to this man again, dated July 2023, thank you for your work, from New Zealand

[@clairebaum]

Tha was a wonderful lecture.Thank you so much

[@missoliya]

Would have been very interesting if Lex could interview John Mearsheimer on this subject as well.

[@steveogle3679]

Never going to happen. To much truth to take on this issue.

[@larrytennant4209]

In a way, I think it is unnecessary... there is so much material already out there from Mearsheimer. 🤔

[@UTubeISphere]

@@johnsalamito6212 Cohen (1938-2020) is no longer, but I agree that it would be interesting.

[@rod9829]

@@steveogle3679 lol

[@razvanmazilu6284]

Mearsheimer is full of shit on the subject of Russia.

[@marquisthecat]

This is amazing! Lex, PLEASE have another interview with Stephen Kotkin now January 2023.

[@wowomah6194]

He just had an interview posted on the Hoover Institution within the last week and you can check it out on KZbin.

[@10.6.12.]

Stephen Kotkin is a toady of the American empire , how disapointing.

[@clancywiggam]

@@10.6.12. Well, at least the American empire is something to be proud of. Look at the Russian empire. Is potato!

[@10.6.12.]

@@clancywiggam the Russian empire isnstipupendous they saved you from the NAZIS FOOL.

[@clancywiggam]

@@10.6.12. Yeah, thanks for absorbing all those German bullets for us, they had at least 25million fewer after dealing with Russia. Meanwhile, in EU land, we live pretty well, post war, including Germany, while in Russia, what's little Igor getting for Christmas? IS POTATO!!!!

[@markmirzabekov5767]

Thank you Lex, you do a great job interviewing people and I enjoy your channel!

[@charles_cody]

Would love to heard if SK has any changed options since his last interview with Lex.

[@kwasik41]

Listening this podcast from Eastern Poland, 20 km from Belarusian border, working around my house. Althoug I respect mr Stone work, I was little concerned about his views of Rusian lidership. From what I have lerned about history of the World and study geopolitics, my view is most similar to mr. Stephen Kotkin have said in Your podcast. Thank You. Whish Yu all the best. Keep up the good work. Never stop exploring.

[@suspendedtwice4sayingrasis261]

I'm Romanian and I'm well aware of my country's rather "complicated" past with Russia and I also fully agree with Stephen here. I tried listening to Oliver Stone and his views with an open mind, out of respect for his achievements, but I had to close the podcast after less than 1 hour because I was getting angrier with every bullshit argument and justification he was coming up with. But I guess it's common for otherwise intelligent and well-educated people to have some wacky and irrational beliefs...

[@SergeyPashchenko]

Gay boys

[@suspendedtwice4sayingrasis261]

@@SergeyPashchenko Look who's talking. 😄

[@bobbarista]

So you wanted to listen someone who agrees with you completely. You remind me of Stalin then haha

[@antypoliticobumbum]

@@SergeyPashchenko youre russian, and thats enough, i dont have to call you gay or anything else, because youre russian. hahahahaa

[@billpercy6354]

Lex I’m so glad that you allowed Stephen the time to fully develop his arguments, and Stephen, thank you for the compassion and logic.

[@Belleville197]

LOL !!

[@JoeKenn51]

Well said sir!

[@Nik-jq4tx]

Mr. Kotkin, why are you hiding your birthplace? Were you born in the Soviet Union? Btw Russia is already winning the war in Ukraine and the USA is loosing its dollar system and its superpower status! You are an old cold war warrier and a man of the past. You have lost, too.

[@slobodangrasic5649]

@@Nik-jq4tx Quite right.

[@emailofjamesw]

@@Nik-jq4tx how does birthplace have anything to do with what someone has to say. Also, 1 flagship cruiser and 11 generals may beg to differ

[@dans9206]

I have never seen a man that loves his voice more than Stephen Kotkin. RIP STEPHEN COHEN.

[@richardlozier5824]

Yes! I just watched this in Moscow Russia today (St. Patrick's Day) and I agree with you 100%. I miss Stephen Cohen. Long live Jeffrey Sachs and his pro-peace friends. I suppose Kotkin will enjoy himself at Stanford-based "Hate-Russia Tank" with Navalnya

[@hughbarr8408]

This guy should replace his surname with a famous word, 4 letters, begins with “c” and ends in “k”. Silly man speaking as if he is a respected academic. The headspace this guy lives in is “la la land”.

[@mistersm]

This is so good! Thank you 🙏

[@christianmackey]

I especially appreciated Dr. Kotkin’s take on how to live a purposeful life. What an amazing scholar and human being.

[@aljohnson3717]

Yes.

[@zeesterzeester3771]

The West is total chaos ruled by an incompetent European parlement en the WEF

[@8888LR]

another clown 🤡

[@oldmanhair0]

@@8888LR don't be rude

[@TheSantino89]

Stephen Kotkin's voice has something of Joe Pesci to it and I really like it. It was a great interview! Greetings from Germany

[@Dunkleosteus3691]

But I hope you notice, he's aware of that and his later interviews feature his modified speaking voice. Still, I noticed the "Joe Pesci" voice early on and found it to be funny - not great for a very serious and intelligent man.

[@marvelousmike5488]

I was thinking Joe Pesci during the whole interview so I’m glad it wasn’t just me. 😊. Doesn’t reduce my enormous respect for his knowledge and insight of history. I love listening to interviews of this guy.

[@trentw.3566]

Lol. I said the.same thing. I thought Meyer Lansky wandered into the studio. Some mob character....

[@petar4002]

Don't tell me you fell for this propaganda.

[@trentw.3566]

@@petar4002 Some, not all. No one is perfect.

[@michaelc1280]

Love your content. Keep up the good work.

[@ernestwilliams3112]

Can we explore Stephens personal battlefield experience?

[@bzqp2]

He almost in one sentence said that "NATO does not invade, it's just a defensive alliance" and then that "NATO invaded Iraq".

[@Pulsar2000]

BS. Iraq wasn't NATO. It was the coalition of the willing. Many Nato countries didn't participate in the invasion. And there were non Nato countries who supported the invasion. Please do your history homeworks.

[@spyros4902]

When a member invades another country( US invaded Iraq, Turkey invaded Syria), NATO members have no obligation to participate and many of them didn't. On the contrary when a NATO member is being attacked, members have OBLIGATION to participate.

[@bzqp2]

@@Pulsar2000 It was still a continuation of the "war on terror" started after 9/11 when USA invoked the Article 5. It was also treated by USA as a test of loyalty for the new NATO states (Poland, Czechia, Hungary) and the candidates (Baltic States, Romania, Bulgaria) which were forced to either directly participate in or support the invasion. "USA is under attack, either you're with us or against us". You can't just draw a line like that and say "nah, that wasn't NATO".

[@highdefinist9697]

> You can't just draw a line like that and say "nah, that wasn't NATO". Yes you can - because it wasn't. The USA and NATO are two separate institutions... if the United States invades a country, but NATO doesn't, the claim "NATO invaded a country" is incorrect. Nice try spreading your anti-Western propaganda, if you don't even spend 10 minutes on Wikipedia to read up on the basics... but I guess, all the actually competent Russian trolls have already moved on to different jobs, which are not paid in Rubels.

[@aleksandrarozek8410]

What about NATO bombing Yugoslavia hmm …

[@alfonsoedgardo5407]

One of the most informative and insightful interviews about this subject I have seen. Bravo 🙏

[@adityarawat6796]

Wow that's awesome because I Started with $5,000 at the same time. Now at 52,000$.

[@gevionshriken2442]

@@adityarawat6796 Congratulations that is a real success story in my opinion. Success because you didnt allow the amount to determine whether or not you would jump in. Good job. See you at the 100k meet and greet.

[@justiceaben9658]

I'm at 1.25k now!

[@adityarawat6796]

I've really just been following the advice of Mrs Patricia and another youtuber. The plays I do myself I typically base on my own research and I tend to buy at a buy price I feel is just then sell when I see major percentage gain wetter that be in weeks or months. I'm holding some long term like DKNG

[@neilmcloughlin7713]

Did you gain from just listening to these vids, or do you have an adviser or other info?

[@edhodapp6465]

Lex - I have to admit, I find some of the things you say annoying, but this interview has made me realize annoying is good. This is the best discussion with Stephen Kotkin I have heard. You are making Mr. Kotkin talk outside of his usual deferential treatment and responses, and I am learning a lot as a result. I guess I’ll have to listen to the Oliver Stone one now - at least until I get ready to hurl a shoe at my TV… :D When you express despair on LinkedIn, please hang in there. In my personal experience, I find despair to be mostly a disease of youth. It will improve. Thanks!

[@jimsummers487]

This presentation is endorsed by the Carlyle group

[@realspokengermanwithtomek3441]

Thank you for putting out Stones and Kotkins interviews on this topic. Greetings from Germany!

[@ruinerblodsinn6648]

Wenn man sowas mal im öffentlichen Fernsehen erleben dürfte…

[@derduebel]

​@@ruinerblodsinn6648 PBS ist öffentlich rechtlich. Leider kommt zu Zeiten, in denen der Duchschnitt des deutschen Publikum TV schaut, meist Unfug und für interessante Sendungen muss man Schlaf opfern. Was sagt dies über das Publikum aus?

[@stevedewitt5214]

Your fusion of humility, compassion and sensitivity is evolving the phenomena of podcast interviewing. It’s attuned to a global intellectual zeitgeist. Compulsive listening every time. This interview is another treasure: nearly three hours of Kotkin’s acute analysis and insight. We might not agree with everything he says but his knowledge imparted to us - for free - is priceless. The same can be said of many of your guests. Lex, do not underestimate the contribution your podcasts are making across the globe. For this we are hugely appreciative. Your emotional investment in Ukraine - Russia is particularly heart-wrenching. We implore you to stay safe as you travel both countries, and we understand your desire to embark on this journey. Trust you will find what you’re searching for and give support to those you visit. Ultimately, we look forward to your return, your insights and your continued expansion of our knowledge via your interviews. I write from Africa and end off with an ancient farewell that we say to a friend when departing: “Walk gently. Walk in peace.”

[@markb8468]

I couldn't agree more Steven! Well said. Lex is doing great work with these. And they DO make a difference.

[@gdiwolverinemale2745]

Is it? It is just tailored to the audience wishing to buy his product. Other than that, he is outstandingly biased

[@compassioncampaigner728]

Who is this guy, Steve? Startlingly articulate, cohesive, well crafted thoughts, and ending with a wonderful emotion. Beautifully done, Steve. Greetings from St Pete in FL.

[@markb8468]

@@gdiwolverinemale2745 what's the title of book? I'd like to hear your analysis.

[@gdiwolverinemale2745]

@@markb8468 Try "Historical Legacies of Communism in Russia and Eastern Europe". Not that I know what's in it. Today, there are ten times more communists in America than in Russia, so I am not even sure what is the purpose of writing such crap

[@CavemanEnglish-jz7wf]

So inspiring. Very accurate on the analysis. I am glad to listen to this interview.

[@chesteredgewater3951]

listening to this at 2x is perfect.

[@somniumisdreaming]

I would love to see a discussion between Kotkin and Stone.

[@teepower3843]

How about a discussion between Kotkin and Martin Armstrong.

[@kenwahler3277]

Kotkin never disappoints. He understands things very well and doesnt mince words

[@theotheo7241]

What freedom is this guy talking about?? freedom of not being able to leave my own country because I haven't got a vaccine, which does not prevent covid? freedom of not being able to find a job just because I do not want to take an experimental vaccine , which does not prevent any disease ? freedom of not being able to protest because I fear ANTIFA hired by the govt to beat me up? freedom of having a govt which concocts a Ministry of Truth to control my mind ? or probably he talks about people like Hillary Clinton who enjoy the freedom of lying and cheating , make the country go through two imaginary impeachments at the expense of the taxpayers and get away Scot-free . I see Mike Pompeo and the other one (a former USA ambassador in Russia) candidly admitting that they all lie, cheat and steal . I am sure they do even more than that , if necessary. The greedy American politicians have sold they country out to the Chinese and now they are crying over spilled milk and try all the tricks in the world to stop them from taking over . The USA corrupt politicians are not even shying away from blowing the entire world up by the looks of it. I see the democrat MSM screaming for Tucker Carlson to be arrested!! Is this America's freedom?? What about Assange? He spoke truth and exposed the USA and its killings of innocent civilians in the Middle East and now he is rotting in jail. What about all the pastors jailed for refusing to OBEY the lock-downs , which have been proven to be destructive and pointless . Is this the freedom this guy is talking about?? What a clown !

[@adaml7349]

He’s a clown. Ukraine agreed to the Minsk accords yet violated them. They have a history of this that predates NATO that he ignores.

[@ragglefraggle9111]

@@adaml7349 Russia agreed to the UN Charter, NATO-Russia Founding Act, and the Helsinki Accords

[@shaft9000]

He's much better when sticking to Stalin, and not with current events

[@shaft9000]

@@ragglefraggle9111 Ahhh, did they agree to three invasions from the west in 120 years by the largest armies in history .....also? I mean what are we really talking about here in the long view.

[@akiracha2519]

I feel smarter after watching these two intelligent gentlemen.

[@carolineabraham1520]

Thanks again Alexander for your scholarship as well as the news

[@oceantree5000]

I’ve been scouring the net for Kotkin’s takes on the current situation. Fuckin DELIGHTED to see him back here!

[@alex8491]

He spews out blatant lies that everybody having minimal knowledge of history will understand. It pure Russophobic crude propaganda.

[@jasoncrelopia821]

Lex tries repeatedly to blur the topic. Steven is laser focused. Steven is a true scholar

[@archangel807]

Everyone knows Lex is Russian born in Moscow. Kotkin is trying not to offend him. He is one of the few that Lex will listen to so early in the war....

[@skiddzjust1389]

@@archangel807 he was born in Russia, but his parents Ukrainians

[@drizzy482]

@@skiddzjust1389 He's an Eastern European Jew, neither truly Ukrainian nor Russian.

[@lvsoad22]

@@skiddzjust1389 he has said that his family is mostly mixed Russian and Ukrainian

[@lvsoad22]

@@drizzy482 Russian and Ukrainian Jew. Still a Jew but their nationality background is not irrelevant. Russian Jews and Yemeni Jews still differ culturally obviously.

[@bhal9358]

You need to do an updated interview with this intellectual. Stephen’s explanation of difficult subjects through history lessons is excellent. Kotkin’s has an incredible ability to make sense of Geopolitical issues.

[@jills3291]

Just subscribed to your podcast a d love it…I realize this episode was a year ago…I hope Stephen Kotkin has changed his views about Ukraine war

[@Vinemaple41]

This is the kind of Podcast I keep coming back to every once in a while

[@TimKyoutube]

Heartfelt intro. I feel but a piece of that tracing my ancestry that has history in both countries. I lived in Moscow for a year and visited 3 weeks in Kiev. I too have a heart for both and support your quest. Godspeed Lex.

[@truetech4158]

Violence really produces afterlives, or stockholm syndrome says it does?

[@MrArchibaldGoodwin]

It’s “Kyiv” not Kiev.

[@purewhiteness3355]

I lived in Moscow all my life and I have relatives in Kharkov. This war has seriously fucked me up. Although it did open my eyes on a whole lot. I really hope I get to meet Lex

[@truetech4158]

@@purewhiteness3355 Were you raised to pretend that violence produces afterlives? When black people were forced to walk the plank in the middle of a ocean of pure manipulative sociopathy on the way to the land of the fee, were you raised to pretend that those drowning and shark attack victims went to a happyland in the sky like putin and the pope says is what happens to the victims? Following the olde money?

[@truetech4158]

@UCmRrggd5UEe6yt7x59Chj-g I didnt suggest your family owned slaves. I just asked you if your family moreless likes to pretend that violence and homelessness frostbite and starvation and drownings and shark attacks produce afterlives, as is what medically untreated stockholm syndrome would suggest, if you do like to pretend that the pope is honest and putin isnt really a manipulative sociopath. Following the political arena debate evading olde money more accurately now? Do you think the victims of putin's sociopathic violent attack on a neighboring country, magically floated off to a happyland in the sky that the pope says is really what happens? Can you see how stockholm syndrome works on cognitively dissonant types of people who have been affected by exposure to violence and intimidation of it? Would you vote for a very caring atheist in russia, one that legalized weed even?

[@JB-qt3wo]

Congratulations to Mr. kotkin for insuring his tenure will be secured for many years to come and his books will be continued to be sold on Amazon.

[@jordannelson4031]

Please have Stephen Kotkin back on.

[@vforsh]

What an amazing guest! One of my favorite interviews on this channel and I watched plenty of them.

[@juggernaut4799]

Kotkin has been one of my all time favourite Lex episode. Love to see him here again!

[@herman7287]

Yea, he's best at spreading US propaganda

[@eachlovediva]

Very informative! Thank you!

[@hansdietrich1496]

One more with him please, high time for an update!

[@chiciu]

It's so fascinating to watch this 8 months later. This man is soooo awesome, the way he deconstructs all the possibilities is amazing. He saw so many things coming.

[@owenstv]

I have revisited this video a few times to recalibrate where we are at.

[@pnojazz]

Kotkin was like Nostradamus, for telling the future. Kherson, a year later, now liberated! Screw Putin and those who continually keep him in power! He’s nothing but a gangster!

[@DonAl_Capone]

Like what? Absolutely everything he said was proved false but I guess Wagner is fighting with shovels 💀💀

[@yavorvassilev3452]

It's worth hearing Yanis Varufakis' perspective on both this topic and other issues. Please consider him as a guest.

[@LondonWater]

This guy is laying it down✌️✌️ TY Sir. 🫡

[@simonsaiz]

What a fascinating interview, thank you so much Lex and Stephen.

[@andreyklimov88]

Thank you for this interview. Especially after the one with Oliver Stone.

[@suspendedtwice4sayingrasis261]

Oh man, I tried listening to the whole thing, but I was just getting angrier and angrier just because of the sheer stupidity of the arguments. The only reason I didn't dislike the podcast is because I like Lex's work too much, but that episode was pretty much a dumpster fire just because of the utterly retarded shit the guest was saying... 😄😂

[@brandonhopkins1106]

I had a hard time getting thru the stone interview. Love him as a director but he was dead wrong about russia

[@somniumisdreaming]

@@brandonhopkins1106 Agreed, I tried to give him fair space to persuade me and it was terrible. I just couldn't see his side. Would love to see Kotkin and Stone discuss the point.

[@Diossvk]

Why would you listen to a director, who is great at his job, but knows nothing about history and its intricacies. It must have been a mix of his feelings and irrelevant personal opininons. Am I wrong? Haven't see it, but why would I watch a director commenting history. Zero qualification and education to comment on history.

[@neroresurrected]

I’ll preface my comments by saying I love alot of Oliver Stone’s movies, but the professor Kotkin is 100% spot on, and Mr. Stone can keep making movies and people should not take him seriously with regards to his politics which has always been left leaning since forever in his case.

[@jdalamo2274]

By far one of the top 3 for lex. Thank you for all you do

[@mayb8701]

Im new to lex, what are the other two

[@jdalamo2274]

@@mayb8701 depends on what you want. History? Awkwardness? The Kanye one would be good if you want to see Lex challenged. Kanye is A wreck

[@davehunt2191]

Brilliant interview which Lex Fridman conducted with Stephen Kotkin.

[@zackpadilla9522]

I had no idea Joe Pesci was this versed in foreign policy

[@longdcikbill3528]

We love you too, Lex. You’re the voice of a generation. Keep doing what you’re doing and don’t let anyone or anything ever hold you back. Please be safe on your travels. The people need you.

[@freyawildesciencefictionau8156]

The voice of all the generations listening to him right now. Boomers, Silent Gens, Genx, millennials, everyone interested. No one age group has a corner of the market on good listening. :)

[@lukecockburn1140]

Voice of a generation? Is that specific to English speaking countries? & What is it he has said & Why do you think he speaks for a generation of people?

[@longdcikbill3528]

@@lukecockburn1140 relax man. Too early for your bs. Go to work or something

[@lukecockburn1140]

@@longdcikbill3528 @LongDcikBill I'm calm I haven't indicated any different You said something I'm asking questions to understand your perspective If that was not a shallow statement you should be able to answer it was only 2 fairly simple questions & not hateful & I'm not going to discuss what I do or what I'm doing But I don't know why you think you should have any influence over what I do

[@longdcikbill3528]

@@lukecockburn1140 awe. You’re A little feisty this morning. Why so defensive. Why so angry. Relax bud, life isn’t that bad. But also if you think I feel the need to explain myself to you, you’re sadly mistaken.

[@Gritt_t]

This introduction and ending brought me to tears. This was not just an insightful conversation with good historic information, but raw, courageous sense of impending potential uncertainty. Thanks for sharing this one Lex.

[@EpicGeopolitics]

This one was insane. Good work Lex. Really great to have Stephen Catkin on the show!!!