What we can learn from different attitudes towards Russia - Geopolitics with Alex Stubb

In this fifth episode, Alex Stubb analyses how countries’ attitudes towards Russia have evolved over time. He looks at what worked and what didn’t, discussing who go it right…and wrong. Alex also shares the four things he got wrong when dealing with Russia as Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Finland.
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We train current and future leaders in governance beyond the state.
The School of Transnational Governance was established in 2017 as part of the European University Institute in Florence. In the cradle of the Renaissance, we teach, train and learn by providing a platform where transnational policy actors across politics, business, civil society, media and academia meet. We are here for anyone with an open and independent mind, for thinkers and for doers. We bring together some of the best teachers, trainers and policy-makers from around the world. We believe the goal of public policy is to bring out the best in people. Follow us on social media to stay up to date: ▶ Website: www.eui.eu/stg ▶ LinkedIn: / schoo. . ▶ Twitter : / stgeui ▶ Instagram : / stgeui

[@macraemorse]

As a UK citizen, I am so used to hearing leaders say "mistakes have been made" and this only when they are backed against the wall. Refreshing, engaging, intelligent... maybe this is why Finland has one of the healthiest democracies in the world? Hats off to you good sir.

[@qweqweqweqweqweqwe3088]

Democracie is over when NATO comes. One more peasant for NATO kekw

[@MDoom-McDonought]

@@qweqweqweqweqweqwe3088 You are clueless and do not understand the very definition of democracy.

[@qweqweqweqweqweqwe3088]

@@MDoom-McDonought a way of governing which depends on the will of the people. PEOPLE and not USA/British elites you dumbass.

[@OskariJuurikkala]

@@qweqweqweqweqweqwe3088 one more Putin's troll 🤣🤣🤣 You guys are just so laughable 😉🙈

[@qweqweqweqweqweqwe3088]

@@OskariJuurikkala go pray for nazis

[@leebovine8626]

I don't think I've ever heard a politician, current or former, be so open, thoughtful or self critical. We could really use some of this in the UK, instead of the conveyer belt of fuckery we have to endure. Really enjoy your uploads, keep it up mate.

[@pinxtownington4645]

we had some very brilliant ones,heath, Thatcher, Powell,etc all with b**ls,went downhill with Blair and brown ( sold 400 tons of gold reserve)to cronies

[@zeerakkhan7806]

Unfortunately, the self-criticism didn't work properly: He started with false assumptions that led him astray, and he has now doubled down on even worse assumptions, leading him further astray. God save us all from the likes of him.

[@wandarah]

@@pinxtownington4645 Uh, you've named probably the three most unpopular Prime Ministers of all time lol

[@genepozniak]

@@zeerakkhan7806 Exactly! I put it into detail for him above (or somewhere around here).

[@zeerakkhan7806]

@@genepozniak I’ll look for your comments above

[@musiconabudget3712]

This analysis is so simplistic it's ridiculous.

[@kevhughes1981]

This piece is absolutely excellent. Ignoring for a moment the topic, the manner this was set out and explained is incredibly refreshing and an example of how we should conduct self-reflection in general.

[@ivansherbinin]

dude, this has 0 self reflection. The West starts wars around the globe constantly. What self reflection are you talking about and what is wrong with you? Seriously.

[@alttentalk48]

I wonder what on earth this "professor" teaches his students?!! He spouts rubbish born of deliberate or unconscious ignorance of history. So shocking!!!

[@Old.Man.Of.The.Mountain]

Fully agree. He is very eloquent. His language and temperament are the exact opposite of troll language and temperament.

[@Mortablunt]

Now this is commitment to refusing to learn anything! Not only does this entire thing completely ignored the dimensions of Western malfeasance towards Russia. It also completely omits the entire dimension of continued western anti-Russian activities. To summarize in brief, put wise leaders should have studied the sayings of Bismarck. When you deal with the Russians, you must deal honestly or not at all. The Russians can be patient, but they will come for what they are promised, and if it is not there as promised, you are going to regret it. All the pledges and treaties of friendship and cooperation will mean nothing to the Russians if the bargain they were predicated upon is not upheld in full on the terms and timetable agreed. The west promised, prosperity, peace, and integration to Russia. We delivered , impoverishment, war, and isolation. After 16 years, the Russians were clear they had had enough and knew the deal was a lie, after another 16 years, they realize the only deal possible was gone they forged themselves.

[@stuartcoyle1626]

It is refreshing to find an ex prime minister that can admit to mistakes and correct them. Us Australians could learn from this about the sort of leaders we vote for.

[@AhmedAdly11]

He is lying.

[@denkordes9578]

@@AhmedAdly11 Alex Stubb is feeding ppl bullcrap. Pathetic and torn away from reality snob.

[@MarkSmith-ll7in]

America and Britain could use some of that too.

[@ra.v.l4038]

@@MarkSmith-ll7in We can only dream of such honesty and humility.

[@draganmarkovic491]

LOL. What did he admit? He only plays in to the narrative in which every decision is taken by Russia. So hi admits mistakes like too kind, good and trusting if he added perfectionist and workaholic I would think I am reading a CV.

[@tyskbulle]

Its worth paying extra attention to those who can openly admit they made a mistake

[@the80386]

Not the USA, that's for sure

[@boriskaraya]

The biggest indicator of intelliegnce. You have to be smart enough to realise you were wrong.

[@zeerakkhan7806]

Not if upon reflection of their "mistakes" they make further mistakes.....this is bafoonery of the highest order!

[@Mortablunt]

Now this is commitment to refusing to learn anything! Not only does this entire thing completely ignored the dimensions of Western malfeasance towards Russia. It also completely omits the entire dimension of continued western anti-Russian activities. To summarize in brief, put wise leaders should have studied the sayings of Bismarck. When you deal with the Russians, you must deal honestly or not at all. The Russians can be patient, but they will come for what they are promised, and if it is not there as promised, you are going to regret it. All the pledges and treaties of friendship and cooperation will mean nothing to the Russians if the bargain they were predicated upon is not upheld in full on the terms and timetable agreed. The west promised, prosperity, peace, and integration to Russia. We delivered , impoverishment, war, and isolation. After 16 years, the Russians were clear they had had enough and knew the deal was a lie, after another 16 years, they realize the only deal possible was gone they forged themselves.

[@SemenovOV]

I'm really sorry, Alex, but what did you meant speaking 'when the War began'. Do you belive it was started on Feb 24, 2022? Or it's about March 2014? Or it's about August 2008?

[@Scaleyback317]

Wow a politician (even an ex one) who is willing to face up to mistakes rather than trying to wordsmith his way out of any connection to the mistake. - You are a breath of fresh air sir.

[@russellramey45]

Mr. Stubb, I really enjoy your lectures. Admitting your mistakes reminds me of what my Grandfather always said " It takes a brave man to admit that he is wrong and only the coward cannot.

[@subramaniannnv1046]

Mr. Stubb, you are day dreaming that Russia will be defeated. The West expanded NATO to the doorstep of Russia and the West wanted that Russia should close it's eyes. You call Russia an imperialist power, what about France and Germany which annexed East Germany. Warsaw pact countries disbanded, why NATO was not disbanded? The Ukraine war will end with all the Ukrainians getting killed by the wily West who led it by the garden path to it's almost destruction. Why NATO, EU, and the West not fighting to defeat Russia. They are only goading only foolish Ukranians to fight

[@aurelio-reymilaorcabal9669]

Putin cannot admit to a mistake, let alone a bunch of Major Miscalculations, he now has no " OFFRAMP" or Exit as he faces War Crimes trials in the Hague, thus all the Nuke rattling.

[@travezripley]

🎉

[@jaredschultz7358]

The problem is if you viewed it as a government with the people's interest in mind and in fact Putin is more like the kingpin of a gang they don't care who of the group dies what happens to the neighborhoods they live in just power and loyalty. What perverts mafia organizations from expanding strong rivals if they think they can grab another gangs territory through what they see is rivals weakness they will take it

[@gerulais]

Well. Wise man your grandfather.

[@andreimclive]

Alex Stubb just proves that the best thinking comes out of admitting your mistakes and constantly learning and adapting.

[@innocentiuslacrim2290]

Yes, it is the only way to get better with time. In work life the best people are almost always those that are better each year - with time the gap to others (even to other talented people) grows enormous.

[@innocentiuslacrim2290]

@Joel Kalsi muah, how little you know. Such arrogance only grows from position of ignorance.

[@innocentiuslacrim2290]

@Joel Kalsi Just stating the obvious.

[@geoffsimpkins7650]

Hopefully, the commercial integration theory can be shelved, at least with cultures so different from our own. I’m thinking China, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Venezuela, etc.

[@innocentiuslacrim2290]

@@geoffsimpkins7650 oh, the cooperation the West and Asian countries has been hugely successful the last 40 years. It would be rather terrible to have setbacks in that.

[@patrickpaganini]

I learn far more from people admitting mistakes, than people pretending they understand everything. This is an absolutely excellent video - thank you very much.

[@patrickpaganini]

@Bojan Koturanovic And that's how science works.

[@Lawh]

The reason he is now trying to spin this humility garbage and admitting his mistakes is because he pretended to know in the first place. I saw him on the news spewing nonsense just do he could get his face on tour of all the international news outlets. Trust me, no one should care about what this guy has to say. He's a gold spoon fed moron with nothing but personal ambition driving him. It's great to admit you were wrong. He doesn't really do that. He blames others for not doing as he expected them to do. He was orine minister. He had all the knowledge our country had to offer. And he could not see this coming. Everyone neighboring russia knew this was coming, but not him.

[@patrickpaganini]

@@Lawh Hey fair enough - I don't know much about this guy at all - just thought it was interesting someone admitting they were wrong. Can you recommend anyone I should listen to on YT that you think is giving a good analysis at the moment?

[@patrickpaganini]

@@Lawh For instance Anders Puck Nielsen?

[@Lawh]

@@patrickpaganini There is this ex soldier who is definitely right wing, but he keeps his politics out of his channel. It has the rather silly name of Speak the Truth. Normally when someone says they speak the truth they do the opposite, but he does a day by day analysis of the situation on the ground, and it is very accurate and includes political commentary from inside russia. Just to let you know I an definitely left leaking. If you want a larger geopolitical idea of what is going on, you're best doing it yourself, because it seems people have gone a little crazy like this guy in this video. I can tell you right now that stay away from all politicians, current or old. Academia on every other subject is the way to go but since this involves politics, it's hopeless guesswork with very little prediction value.

[@calihippied8772]

Excellent analysis and reflection! Please continue in developing content. It is exceptionally informative and helpful!

[@andrewvisser5805]

I suppose admitting large mistakes as a politician, such as the recent Truss debacle is inevitably career defining, whereas, retrospective admissions by a politician turned academic has more potential to garner positive attention because there is no motive other than honest reflection. Must say I find these lectures profoundly interesting.

[@RobBCactive]

There's understandable mistakes and then there's sheer incompetence born of arrogance and criminal negligence. Being a hawk on Russia wasn't a vote winner in many countries and in Londongrad the Laundromat and donations to the Tories seems to have counted for more than the wreckless murders Vladolf Pootin's Russia has committed.

[@TheTruthSeeker756]

Truss debacle. How can that lady look herself in the mirror each day lol. What a FRAUD

[@zeerakkhan7806]

For balance and fairness, here is a rebuttal to this video: Mr. Stubb, The false and misguided analysis you have presented in this video is leading the European herd to a nuclear Armageddon. Keep in mind that other leaders from Europe's past have cheered the public on to two disastrous global wars. You are in good company with them. There are a lot of misdirection and false assertions spouted in this video. Unfortunately, I don't have time to offer a detailed rebuttal to each and every sentence which you have uttered, not because it is not possible, but because the format of my reply in this comment section is constraining. If I had the chance to debate your position face-to-face, not much of your argument would be left standing. Simply put, you, along with most of the western elites, are stuck in a bubble, formed by western hubris and arrogance. This bubble is an echo chamber, amplifying irrational voices which are divorced from any logic and reality. Having said this, I will reflect on a few titbits from your speech and reinterpret what you really mean to convey in this video: --- "Integrate Russia into the west...pooling sovereignty": What you really mean, is that you want Russia to be subjugated under the western "rules based order", and not be an independent free entity. The "rules" will be made by the US arbitrarily, and the Russians must obey as a subservient and pliant colony of the west. This is double speak for western imperial and neo-colonial ambitions, nothing less. --- "Russia will become a normal democracy...": What you really mean, is that the west defines what is "normal", and that there is no alternative to human and social development other than the western "liberal democracy". A model, which is coopted by oligarchs with no vision for the development of their own citizens, nor any desire to protect their public's interests. This is simply hubris and corruption, nothing less. --- "Russia is playing a zero-sum game...": It is abundantly clear that you haven't been following the words and actions of the Russian leaders (not just Putin) over the last 30 years. The Russian's have been extremely clear and consistent in their policies for all to see. They wanted an "equal and respectful" relationship with the west "from Vladivostok to Lisbon" underpinned by the concept of "collective security" across the Eurasian continent. Over the decades, many proposals were fielded by the Russians only to be spurned by the west. Currently the Russians are actively pursuing a policy of "win-win" engagement with any partners who are open to their offer. Indeed, it is the west which is playing a zero-sum game. "Either you are with us, or against us!", no other choice. This is nothing more than arrogance bred by false over-estimation of west's own power, and denial of a rapidly emerging multi-polar world. In summary, you are perpetuating a vision which is imperialistic and neo-colonial in nature, and which is driven by hubris, corruption, and arrogance. Given that your ill-considered attitudes are in relations to a nuclear superpower, have some sense, and heed the words of president Kennedy: "We must, therefore, persevere in the search for peace...above all, while defending our own vital interests, nuclear powers must avert those confrontations which bring an adversary to a choice of either a humiliating retreat or a nuclear war. To adopt that kind of course in the nuclear age would be evidence only of the bankruptcy of our policy--or of a collective death-wish for the world."

[@TheAlexandar711]

Someone recently said that today's politicians see politic as self promotion and nothing else.

[@ev.c6]

Wishfufl thinking. I am quite positive many politicians would be willing to admit mistakes, but they know voters are not always rational beings. Machiavelli addressed that centures ago.

[@Djaybird]

I'm loving this series so much, thank you for providing us with these discussions!

[@deenelliott3657]

I've been all over the place seeking meaningful answers. what I just listened to makes sense to me Thanks very much sir, hoping to hear more.

[@johnbouttell5827]

Dear Alex, thanks for explaining this complex situation in plain English. Best wishes, John in the UK.

[@ohrosberg]

It is very refreshing to hear from you Alex, as a former prime minister analyse your own performance in the light of academia, where admitting you're wrong is part of the learning process. I admire you for that. I wish it was allowed to do so in politics as well, but I have to face reality. I also worry about Norway, my own country, where the current government hasn't let go of the naivety towards the situation at hand, and their reactions are reactive and often forced upon them by the opposition parties than proactive and on top of things. What I want to ask you is this: Orbán and Erdoğan still hasn't ratified Finland and Sweden's membership applications for NATO membership. Could you make a video where you dive into that situation and explain both what has happened and what is likely to happen, and if Finland and Sweden will enter NATO at the end of the day? That would be much appreciated. Thank you for your videos, they are a must see for me and gives me great insight. Edit: Corrected nativity to naivety.

[@irongron]

Yes, Alex is forgiven, he had the guts to admit his errors, unlike Fuhrerin Merkel, who admits no wrong, whose "engagement" (appeasement) resulted in me losing a home in Donbas....

[@innocentbimenyimana7858]

Turkey and Hungary are trying to break down our alliance but they’re wrong. They need to learn a lesson from what’s happening to their brother Putin down in Ukraine! Let’s USA , UK and Baltic countries finish the job in Ukraine. Then after Turkey and Hungary will be begging to sign off for our brothers from Sweden , Finland 🇫🇮

[@arau8310]

I had the same reaction. Far too few with a voice ever revisit their statements and actions to analyze where they went wrong- at least not publicly. This was a valuable explanation, and partially echoed my misunderstandings as well. Jake Broe posted a video a few months ago that really opened my eyes to the fact that putin actually campaigned FOR Zelensky back when he was running for President of Ukraine. It seems obvious now that if he couldn't install a puppet regime as he's done in belarus, that it was in his best interest to promote the installation of a young, inexperienced candidate who can be toppled relatively easily later on. This invasion has been in the works for many years, and many of us had fallen for putin's "statesman" act, when in fact- he's convinced himself that he's a tsar and can act with impunity.

[@seanedwards5495]

Thanks for your excellent comment and question. Respectfully for clarification, in your second paragraph did you mean "nativity" or "naiveté"? I don't know much about Norwegian politics or government so I can't easily infer the meaning of your comment.

[@irongron]

@@arau8310 Thats a good point you make about the current President here, Tsar Putin thought that President Poroshenko was the more hawkish militant, and that the Russian speaking "Volodya", an actor, would be a pushover, little did he know that President Zelensky would switch to Ukrainian (with difficulty I would add) and be even more proud to be Ukrainian than even President Poroshenko.was!!! It's just anotehr indicator of how these Ruzzian "duraks" (fools) really had no clue about their Ukrainian "brothers".! 🙃

[@vkkane8786]

Thank you prof. Stubb. I have listen to your series with interest. As a Finn, living in Sweden for a long time, married to a Ukrainian woman, have good friends in Finland, Sweden, Ukraine, Iran, Zambia and Russia. It has allways been interesting to talk politics with people visiting these countries. People are people where ever you go. Most people are very nice and friendly as a base. In Russia its allways interesting that what we talk about in sauna or banja as it is called in Russia and Ukraine is different what people say official. Because of fear of the power structure round Putin. In Ukraine people were divided before the war, some liked Europe some liked Russia. But most of the population were Ukrainian. Putin got it wrong and thought it would be easy to take Ukraine, so he took the opportunity to make bigger empire out of many reasons. This was his last opportunity, his population gets older (demogrfic), he gets older. Im sure he regret this now.... but he cant show weakness so he get on till the end. Ukrainian who were pro Russia (most of them anyway) are now pro Ukraine and its boiling inside Ukrainian people when they see a Russian. This will take a generation to heal. To stop this cratzy war that kills civilians mostly i agree with prof. Stubb that there need to be a change of power in Russia. Thoughts among common people in contries i visit have changed about Putin, he was a hero for some people before but now when he threat with nukes and all the bomming of civilians the mindset change. Its sad to see the hardliners dance on the balcony in Moscow as the bombs fall down o civilians in Kiev .... so some people just dont care about the death of people in general. As my grandfather said when he came back from the war..... you as the young generation make sure there never will be a war again (he was a soldier in the finnish army when the Sovjetunion attacked Finland). Hope for peace soon.

[@jonathonletts8972]

U watch cnn only? Think about last sentence...Biden and z are stopping peace. Ps iraq 2003

[@michaeldelisieux]

Thank you!

[@jamesgornall5731]

He was right about war, make sure there aren't any

[@ex0duzz]

Same as those hardliners and Nazis in Kiev and Ukraine posing and dancing in front of bridge explosion painting on thr street right? Celebrating a terrorist attack with dead civilians in Crimea. Same as Kiev shelling Donbas and killing 15,000 ppl over 8 yesrs right?

[@jpoeng]

A generation will not heal what Russians have done. Perhaps a Russian Nuremberg, reparations, and a 100 years of unbroken peace from them would be a start, but they are incapable of this. They are called orcs for a reason. Born of Mordor, they can be nothing else.

[@boomengerinaldo6103]

"Countries in the right side of history"...I call it entitlement. France was a imperialist country, so was England, and the Netherlands, even Italy made its attempts in Africa, Spain still has Ceuta and Mellilla in Africa too, not to mention their taking of South America in competition against Portugal... Europe has a extensive legacy of imperialism, no one can blame the tzars to have an imperialist mindset too, back in the day. Now is modern Russia that stands acussed of imperialism, please remind me who makes wars across the world in pursue of resources? is that Russia?. Europeans and Rusians both live in the same neighborhood, you can`t change that. Neither can you change the fact that Russia has the resources that Europe needs for its industries and Russians need to export them. Europe and Russia are a natural economic unity, wether you like it or not, American influence is the only ingredient that doesn`t belong in the "Old Continent" recipe. You are condemned to coexist so, before you say again "oh! they`re so imperialist!", you better look yourselves in the mirror of history, put your entitlement back in the box, and find the way to talk and understand each other. I`m Uruguayan, the weather here is nice and forgiving and I don`t want to wake up one day and realize that a nuclear winter is upon my beautiful country, so get to it!

[@juhanilaine6378]

I ANSWER YOUR LAST QUESTION: YES1

[@piotrrywczak7971]

"please remind me who makes wars across the world in pursue of resources? is that Russia?" ... You think Russia had Siberia in 10th century? It seems Russia didn't have Crimea in 2013. It had it in 2014. Care to explain that? Care to explain the partition of my country in 18th - 20th century? If you are unwilling to confront the reality and go into whataboutism about the world history instead, then let's talk about all the crimes of "Russia" over the past millennium. Have a nice forgiving weather, living on the other half of the Earth. In Eastern Europe we already deal with the winter, you ignorant.

[@chidimarvels]

Nailed it. The entitlement mentality would be very difficult to correct. He thinks he is open-minded, but unfortunately he is just showing sophisticated and deceitful self-righteousness.

[@chidimarvels]

It is the better-than-other people attitude that riles me up alot about his very myopic perspective about the world.

[@jrobertgrack9342]

You nailed it! But wait, with his self-righteous attitude, he'll have more crow to eat as the years go on. Either that or his underlings within the Finnish society will tell him, hell no, you ran with your ideas once before, now it's time to go pound sand and play on your KZbin channel. But again, let's see exactly maybe how full of themselves other Finnish people really are?

[@ikalennyy6986]

Interesting points. However. You have to address Munich speech even more. He was addressing the fact that NATO was expanding closer and closer to Russia despite the previous agreements. You have to address the fact that including Georgia or Ukraine into NATO was viewed as an existential threat. He looked at what went on in Yugoslavia and Iraq and said “why can’t I do the same?” There is a problem of West giving up the moral grounds by such actions.

[@BrianProsser]

Mr Stubb and your obviously talented team. Thanks for taking the time to put these episodes together. Much appreciated!

[@Ben-jq5oo]

I learn so much. As soon as I see Alex put up a new episode I’m in.

[@bibekjung7404]

ALMIGHTY GOD KABIR is the father of all souls that JESUS, MOHAMMAD, GURU NANAK, VEDH was telling in BIBLE, QURAN, GURU GRANTHA SAHEB Iyov 36:5 - Orthodox Jewish Bible (OJB) See, El is Kabir, and despiseth, not any; He is Kabir in ko’ach lev (strength of understanding). Translation: Supreme God is Kabir, but despises no one. He is Kabir, and firm in his purpose. In all Bible translations, the word Kabir has been translated as "Mighty" or "Great" whereas Kabir is the original name of Supreme God. Conclusion: This verse of the Bible proves that Kabir is Complete God. The one who worships God Kabir by taking initiation from the complete saint sent by him gets complete salvation. After attaining salvation that souls rest in peace in the eternal abode Satlok forever. The throne of God is in Satlok. God Kabir met Jesus and took his soul to Satlok. On their way, God Kabir made him see his ancestors David, Moses, Abraham, etc. in the Pitra Lokas. Then God took him to Satlok. But Jesus did not have faith in Lord Kabir. He did not believe him to be complete God, but he admitted that God is one. When he came back from Satlok he preached about one God and talked about salvation. After the crucifixion, he only pleaded God to forgive his children for all the harsh deeds.

[@user-np7st5mi1t]

Still very one-sided and blinkered

[@tesfaykiros7191]

@@user-np7st5mi1t it's just under Russia phobia talking point, they just think the only way is there way.

[@phoebusathanasiou3943]

I would have three points to make: a) what happened in Georgia and, more recently, in the Ukraine was entirely predictable, and it is not to be explained only by reference to the Russian psyche or Russian imperialism, b) it does not matter whether one is right or wrong, what matters is the thought process that leads to a prediction, and how sound that process is, c) the solution to the present very difficult situation cannot be uni-dimensional for, if one's strategy fails, one is left with no strategy at all, and that is a very bad place to be, whether as an academic or as a politician.

[@analyticalmindset]

It's predictable because STRONG collectivist cultures with affinity to communism will forever see the Western form of capitalism as a system that kills and takes advantage of the Global South. It's most of the Global South now that will not condemn Russia. EVERYTHING in this western world was built off the exploitation of the same people that are dealing with the climate change you westerners caused through the virtuous industrialization. You guys are gaslighters, know it alls , and we have to pay the price for your "innovation". You westerners are the worst type of evil because you guys really think you're helping the world.

[@Mortablunt]

Your post is excellent. The whole lecture here is an ardent display of devotion to failing to learn. 1. What happened in Georgia was a combination of things. Firstly, the fact that making Russia a security partner it came with the implicit authority authorization to use force for peacekeeping which is what the Russians were doing in 2008 when the Georgians opened up with artillery. By international laws, Russia had full right and obligation to bring a swift end to the conflict, which they did, restoring the UN designated line of control with the minority territories. The situation in Ukraine is somewhat more complicated, but it has everything to do with Western agitation towards installing and promoting anti-Russian elements, who eventually became violence against the Russian minority, prompting a genocide that has been going on for eight years prior to direct Russian intervention in 2022. There’s also coupled with habitually, ignoring Russian concerns about their own security by continuously, expanding NATO, eastward and refusing to hear or honor our words with the Russians, about their security and their concerns. The thought process used in how the west as with Russia was seeing it is still an enemy, and one that needed to be defeated and humiliated. The end of the Soviet Union was not enough. Western intelligence agencies and advocacy groups pushed for the break up of the Russian federation through rebellions of the ethnic minorities in the provinces. There is also the matter of forcibly, installing Boris Yeltsin in 1996 by rigging the election to prevent the communist candidate from winning. These events showed the Russians that we had no genuine goodwill, and did not care at all about their concerns or sovereignty. Bismarck said when you deal with the Russians, you have to deal honestly or not at all because if you try to deceive the Russians, while they can be patient, They will catch on that you are not meeting your end of the bargain and will not take that lying down. We promised them security, prosperity and inclusion. If only they would drop Communism, have open elections, and be democratic. Well, we set up a puppet dictator, who sells his own parliament and oversaw a 12 year continuous drop in HDI and GDP with the full backing of the West. Trying to follow our model for things so hundreds of thousands of Russians killed in civil wars and terrorist attacks that were heavily provoked and agitated for they are intelligent services and when the Russians try to take care of their own people and establish security and law, we treated them like the bad guys for it. Russia wanted to join the EU. We didn’t let them. Meanwhile, we allowed the countries surrounding them to join if they were western aligned. End it was the same story with NATO. So the Russians ended up with no equality, no peace, and no prosperity after more than a decade of trying their absolute hardest to follow the program, we swore was in their best interest. And now we get to solutions which are much more complicated. The easiest solution would’ve been to let Russia join the EU and NATO back when it asked. Instead, we weaponization the economics of the Eurozone, and continue to push NATO, their way as a hostile force. An army of 3 1/2 million soldiers on the Russian doorstep regardless of how peaceful the alliance claims to be, which is not born out at all by the contact, is absolutely cause for concern if you’re Russian and have been invaded over 12 times in the prior century. The fact is Russia is a great power, and needs to be respected and dealt with as such. Trying to treat it like some naughty Toy town state that can be bullied back into line is not going to work. The solution now is we basically have to let Russia have a buffer zone and be Russia. They are sick and tired of our double standards our lies our false promises. They don’t trust us, because every single promise we’ve made. If only they would play with us, and trust in the process has backfired against them, expensively and bloodily.

[@mrbigdiscoparty4671]

Was good to hear your assessment on how Baltic/Russo politics and policies have impacted current thinking.

[@anettehattula-risberg7743]

Tack för en mycket upplysande och tydlig föreläsningsserie. Hoppas att du fortsätter att göra dessa. Enkelt för en lekman att förstå komplicerade saker. :). Mycket uppfriskande att du erkänner de misstag som blivit gjorda.

[@cgzcode5927]

Thank you for creating this videos... Its like having a 1st class free teacher...please keep sharing your educated insight in this important matters. Congratulations!!!

[@seanlander9321]

Contrast Europe with Japan: Japan has lost its investments in Russian gas, but its investments in Australian gas have given it energy security. Europe though has a preference for dealing with despots rather than democracies for energy (and food) which they are still failing to address.

[@Whatifsomate]

I thought the point is that Russia freed Finland from Sweden and granted it with the exeptional rights within the Empire then Finland decided to batlle with Russia and here we now studing history and interpretating the current times, while someone might still neglect it. So given that, everythng is pretty clear with Finland. Good luck with your endevours

[@iveq4utube]

Means we've all mistaken about Finland. People say it must have been better let Swedes dissolve suomies.

[@MrZlocktar]

Still contradicts with what Putin said today at Valdai meeting. And i really suggest to work on your next lecture based on that meeting at least. There are a lot of thesis's from his speech and meeting that lasts for almost 5 hours, so i will name it short for those who are interested: He spoke about world economy, about new world order, about EU's future (long story short - it doesn't have one) and how every country should enter new era of multi-polarity without one country hegemony - namely US as it is now. His whole speech was about post-hegemonic world. It was a letter to those who was threatened, sanctioned, betrayed, used by US throughout all this years. To those who tired of current world order of one leader that has no bounds in achieving it's own interests and will put anyone (EU, i am looking at you) as a bait to achieve it's own goals and interests. He mentioned success of BRICS and how world without dollar being reserve currency will be a better place, where countries will focus on their own national currency. About revaluation of world economy and that "tomorrow" will depend on the countries of Africa, Asia, the Middle East, much more than it is commonly believed to be today by a horrible mistake and because of current one country hegemony - namely US. He also said that Russia is not planning to become a new hegemony following US steps, that Russia instead proposing a completely new model of a new world order without hegemony at all. A fair and prosperous world where every nation, culture, country, people - have it's own identity and sovereignty. For every country to have it's own voice to be heard and noticed in the new reformed UN to solve global crisis on a new unprecedented level of cooperation. A world without any need to destabilize regions for power gains like it is now, a world that can work together to build something greater. A world where Ruso-Ukraine war would've never happen, because there wouldn't be any reason for it, there wouldn't be any conflict without hegemon. He proposed a true democracy where every nation have it's own identity without influence of some hegemony state outside. That speech was about future of humanity if we oppose to American neoliberalism version of world order where democracy is used as a weapon of control over other's sovereignty and identity - i am looking at you EU. By true democracy he meant that every country have it's own right to use the model it sees fit. Not the model US want you to have in order to control you. All in all, you are completely wrong in your projections. That's my opinion. All that Putin said - makes perfect sense for any person that still has it's own brain and ability to think for himself.

[@grisa65]

Nice try, but they don't hear it

[@EricRosenwaldPhotography]

I’ve been wanting to see a “what I got wrong” thing like this from all of my favorite commentators and journalists on the war. I keep seeing them fail to account for their mistakes in understanding the war. hope this catches on! Come to think of it, it would be great to see news media publications have a dedicated, weekly, “what we got wrong” section. Not just corrections, but self-reflection on why mistakes were made. I know that idea would make editors and reports cringe, but if done the way Alex does here, it would build public confidence in the news publication/network.

[@dasgunt2549]

Should suggest it to Pootin😂

[@friedrichfranz]

@@dasgunt2549 hahahahah

[@travelswithted673]

Thank you for your lectures, it’s really refreshing hearing a world leader being humble enough to admit mistakes. Thank you, very interesting lectures, from Sydney, Australia.

[@the80386]

Are people in the comments naive? He's not 'admiting mistakes' at all - it's a rhetorical trick. He's using those words to really say "I am right that Russia is the big baddie". He's portraying the situation heavily biased towards USA foreign policy, disregarding the fact that other countries have different goals and values. He's effectively saying "if only Russia bowed down to USA and her subordinates, everything would be fine. Why can't they just follow orders like we do?"

[@LowenKM]

@@the80386 Ah, the old argument that "Russia was *_right_* to attack Ukraine, because NATO _'provoked'_ it!" Hey, and bombing schools & hospitals and the many other War Crimes, is just the cost of 'doing business'... amirite?! ;-p

[@ishrirampersad8809]

This is enlightened thinking especially after two World wars. Most people speak of democracy as if the West has a patent on democracy. Russia has seen how Britain and the USA have behaved towards all, all their colonies. But I like Mr. Stubb's thinking. It's a whole new thinking about how countries should be thinking.

[@camillep9346]

You are a fabulous speaker - thank you for this summation, concise as always 👏👏👏

[@mrpatchy9950]

Mr Alex Stubb is not just an academician who is crystal clear in his thinking, but a rational political leader who accesses a situation in its entirety but is humble enough to admit where he is wrong . Hall mark of a true leader and a statesman.

[@sharoncloete4060]

As always Prof. Thank you for the updates. You are truly an outstanding person

[@Jakethefatman9562]

Well done Alex! The most regrettable thing is that how we Finns treated Baltic states, especially Estonia. They knew better, we had arrogance among leaders.

[@indycoon]

He is absolutely wrong and disinformed. Or wants to disinform you.

[@Jakethefatman9562]

@@indycoon In Finland it's sunshine today, how about there in Leningrad?

[@patrickharlan9586]

Just found your channel, great stuff.

[@gardnert1]

I always interpreted Russia's land-grab efforts in Georgia and Ukraine were about preventing them from joining NATO, since NATO cannot accept a country that has an ongoing border dispute or war.

[@caleymckibbin2304]

They did not "land-grab". Both Georgia and Ukraine were slaughtering their own citizens. Alex Stubb personifies the empire of lies. When EU annexes territory it is called "pooling of sovereignty" and "integration". When Russia annexes territory it is called "imperialism" and "zero sum". When NATO intervenes anywhere it is called "freedom" and "democracy". When Russia intervenes anywhere it called "instability" and "dictatorship".

[@caleymckibbin2304]

I just did a search on who funds STG. It is funded by European Commission. This is an EU propaganda medium.😉

[@peterjenner5431]

I always thought the trouble in Georgia and chechnya where CIA was causing trouble

[@Darocfi]

Probably best from Stubb I've heard in a long time. Admitting mistakes and taking responsibility is something our politicians should be doing as a rule, not as exception such as this. Well spoken.

[@sindibadage]

I never heard this man before, but PLEASE! Can you go to Europenan politics? We need people like you!!!

[@thomasklui4747]

Food for thought. Clear and concise. .Thank you

[@erikgranered753]

Mr. Stubb, I think you can put Sweden in the column of countries that got things wrong about post-Soviet Russia, completely dismantling its military readiness. This was a mistake that will take at least a decade to reverse. Just happy that Sweden and Finland and the other Nordic countries are coordinating a return to a realistic posture.

[@andriytarnovetskyy4992]

Thank you! I appreciate individuals that are able to admit their mistakes, especially if they are politicians.

[@temka4444]

Hes not admitting his mistakes at all. its just that his mission failed Russians didnt wante to change their way of life cuz of few Europeans told them how to live lol. Never buy into what the politicians say they will always lie

[@charlesweru7787]

In simple words peace and only peace 🕊️ should prevail. Leaders work out the situation back to normal livelihood of everyone, peace ✌️ peace 🕊️☮️

[@ZeleneOko]

Thank you for the analysis and sharing your thoughts.

[@daveanderson8776]

Very good ! Love to hear your analysis on this subject and am looking forward to hearing from you again 👍🏼

[@haladwm]

Thank you for representing true leadership in that you have analyzed your mistakes and learned from them! Truest refreshing. Also, your analysis hit home with me.

[@douglasevans3314]

Prof Stubb, I really enjoyed your lecture and the way you structed it. Thank you and I'll keep up to your future lectures. By the way I lived in Helsinki in 1957-58 when my father was a lectured and the University in Helsinki. My sister and brother loved living there as did I. I have nothing but wonderful times and great friends, Pekka and his brother Mati, as well as Andress. I'm 76 now and off to China, but I promise myself to return to Finnland.

[@richardtiong]

Thank you for sharing your views on this matter.

[@Padenie]

An important question about democracy in Finland. Why didn't the government organize a referendum on NATO membership? They promised but didn't do it :( Why did they decide themselves without asking the will of the people?

[@LucasSchoutenBussum]

Great analysis and insights in a view at current and future times ahead. Also, Alex demonstrates to be a true man with vision and self-reflection and a sound dose of courage. Very well done and helpful.

[@xqbotbefre2763]

Where is the analysis here? These are newspaper headlines in a well-delivered speech. Good versus evil. Elves versus orcs. Fantasy and childish idealism

[@kimuvat2461]

Worst mistake is being buggered by USA and not even noticing it. Co-operation with Russia brought 50 years of growth and prosperity and now these ideologists are wasting all of that, not perhaps for themselves, but for rest of us. If someone is pushing for war and sanctions, you should know he is NOT for the people. Realism is to work with Russia and not again be at the mercy of USA and oil sheiks🙄

[@robertjordan8047]

Nice to hear your lecture: simple words, simple structure and a great analysis.

[@xaquinlopezgomez1028]

And simple analysis indeed,but for it's intentions.

[@davidrorger7935]

because you have a simple and empty mind. Go educate yourself (Don´t take it personal)

[@robertjordan8047]

@@davidrorger7935 understanding simple words and appreciating a simple structure, doesn't mean my mind is simple. What's your problem?

[@thanostnt]

I've been watching over the geopolitics many years now. My country is under a war threat since 1995 by Turkey if UN convention of Sea is applied, that's mostly the reason. As a Greek,I am watching geopolitical analysis by Greek professors,high ranked ex-military personnel etc. Suddenly, while being logged out of my google account, I get this video as a YT recommendation. As I was watching and heard the words "while in office" I realized I'm not watching some kind of journalist,or professor,or anything else. You guys, and I mean Finnish, should be proud of having a politician,an ex-prime minister,who actually criticizes his own past point of view. This has never happened,or will happen in my country. In many countries actually... Admitting mistakes? No way! What a nice surprise! Be proud Finnish!

[@draganmarkovic491]

And what are his mistakes exactly? 1. Visa free travel and trade policy where the goodness of his hart prevailed over reason. 2. Nord stream, he was actually righ but didn't push har enough. 3. Nuclear power plants, he was also right and had a great plan but couldn't do it. 4. NATO, he was right once more but once more couldn't do it because he had only 20% support. So out of his 4 mistakes in 3 he was right but because of things out of his control couldn't do the right thing and in 1 his good natured human side prevailed in making a decision with 0 negative consquences....

[@thanostnt]

@@draganmarkovic491 I get your point. But,just the fact that he actually admitted making mistakes,for me, is a remarkable point. I really can't go that deep,I mean how these mistakes would have changed the course of Finnish policy over Russia,how other countries would be affected and change their relationship with Russia etc, but the statement of an ex-prime minister that he actually made some mistakes is astonishing.

[@draganmarkovic491]

@@thanostnt But he didn't. He just said that he admits mistakes and actually admiting nothing. If he didn't make those mistake nothing would change, nord stream isn't something Finland could stop, not building more nuclear powerplants wasn't up to him and he also couldn't get in to NATO, like he said 80% was against it. So his biggest mistake and the only one is that more Russians traveled to Finland and vice versa. So the only thing that would change is that Ivan couldn't go to Helsinki on vacation. His admitions sound like what idiotic reality stars say in my country when asked similar questions "My biggest mistake is that I am too trusting and too good to people who don't deserve it" Not to mention that the rest of the things he said is clear nonsense...

[@davidrorger7935]

Do more research about this guy, and I am sure you will regret your comments. I recommend for you to join RUSSIA, because EU soon will collapse and as orthodox, you are more close to Russia than Finland

[@thanostnt]

@@davidrorger7935 Wait a minute, you are jumping into conclusions. My comment was about how nice seems to me that a politician is admitting that he made mistakes. Full stop. Where did you get all the other stuff?But I will tell my point of view,so I won't be misunderstood. EU (actually GU German Union) is dead. Not collapsing,dead. We are all waiting for the funeral,the official ceremony. EU has failed to many sectors. It cannot provide security, economic stability (we all remember what EU did to Greece in order to save its big banks,25% of GDP downfall while Syria in the middle of real war had a 20% GDP downfall). It cannot provide security on its borders, whoever wants is breaking in as a "refugee" ,no matter if he is a terrorist,a black ops agent,or just a criminal "tourist". Not a word about EU demographics and the policy to pay Asian and African immigrants ,and not backing up your own native population. The perfect recipe for self-destruction. EU cannot provide security inside societies with stupid laws that provide freedom after some years to murderers, pedophiles etc. EU (as the whole West) is far away from its 3 principals. Classical Greek thinking (philosophy),Roman justice, Christianity. Now about the war in Ukraine: You cannot imagine how sorry and frustrated I feel,as a Greek,as an Orthodox, that I see two brother nations' blood being shed. The scars of this war will remain for decades,maybe more. The reason for this war? I think professor John Mearsheimer has given a very good reason during his lecture about Ukraine in 2015 . I quote " ...in fact,if you really wanna wreck Russia,what you should do,is encourage it to try and conquer Ukraine..."

[@annehersey9895]

I am so glad I found this channel! As a proponent of life-long learning, I just love your presentations. They are everything a good presentation should be. Clear, concise and thought provoking. You state the objective, outline the steps to understand the objective and tie them together for conclusions. I really feel my understanding of Geopolitics is improving with every presentation and thank you greatly. My only regret, Mr. Stubb, is that the US doesn’t have many politicians with your communication skills!

[@rhmendelson]

Well said, as a US citizen, I agree!

[@Mortablunt]

Now this is commitment to refusing to learn anything! Not only does this entire thing completely ignored the dimensions of Western malfeasance towards Russia. It also completely omits the entire dimension of continued western anti-Russian activities. To summarize in brief, put wise leaders should have studied the sayings of Bismarck. When you deal with the Russians, you must deal honestly or not at all. The Russians can be patient, but they will come for what they are promised, and if it is not there as promised, you are going to regret it. All the pledges and treaties of friendship and cooperation will mean nothing to the Russians if the bargain they were predicated upon is not upheld in full on the terms and timetable agreed. The west promised, prosperity, peace, and integration to Russia. We delivered , impoverishment, war, and isolation. After 16 years, the Russians were clear they had had enough and knew the deal was a lie, after another 16 years, they realize the only deal possible was one they forged themselves.

[@susanschaffner4422]

Really informative, as an American this was enlightening. We need to understand European perspective. Thank you.

[@savagemako17]

If you want European perspectives...this is the last guy in the world you should listen to. This guy is a walking, talking horror show!!

[@Mortablunt]

Now this is commitment to refusing to learn anything! Not only does this entire thing completely ignored the dimensions of Western malfeasance towards Russia. It also completely omits the entire dimension of continued western anti-Russian activities. To summarize in brief, put wise leaders should have studied the sayings of Bismarck. When you deal with the Russians, you must deal honestly or not at all. The Russians can be patient, but they will come for what they are promised, and if it is not there as promised, you are going to regret it. All the pledges and treaties of friendship and cooperation will mean nothing to the Russians if the bargain they were predicated upon is not upheld in full on the terms and timetable agreed. The west promised, prosperity, peace, and integration to Russia. We delivered , impoverishment, war, and isolation. After 16 years, the Russians were clear they had had enough and knew the deal was a lie, after another 16 years, they realize the only deal possible was one they forged themselves.

[@bionicle136]

Thank you very much for your lectures ❤

[@user-xz4all]

I am amazed at how solidly and confidently you are talking nonsense about world politics and Russia. I say this after watching you and looking it: "Jeffrey Sachs: U.S. Policy & "West's False Narrative" Stoking Tensions with Russia, China"

[@2002georgezacharia]

was waiting for this episode 😃

[@JohnDupuyintegralrecovery]

Thank you Alex for producing this series. Keep them coming! Your intelligence well as your, humility, integral and courageous insightfulness, is a great help and service

[@mozehouse5602]

Hmmmmm, Mr John dupuy "courageous insightfulness" is too much . Mr Alex's history on Russia begins in 2004 forgetting geopolitics is collections of series/events leading to this conflict for example nato promised the u.s.s.r not to expand eastward. What happened next, they did

[@zeerakkhan7806]

LOL...."humility...courage...insightfulness...."? we'll see how you feel when his policies find you hunkered down in a bunker, sheltering with your family from a nuclear cloud. Hopefully, you'll remember my reply then.

[@mozehouse5602]

@@zeerakkhan7806 and yet geopolitical games were started by the west and now . U have to play by his rules

[@zeerakkhan7806]

@@mozehouse5602 sad but true.

[@hassann4209]

Good luck for your conclusion.

[@Ranbo5]

Mr. Stubb's hindsight truly is "20/20"; his analyses and arguments clear and concise.

[@BladeRunner21577]

Russia didnt want to destabilise border states as you say, it did however want to stabilise them in a way that was friendly to them and their economy rather than those of western Europe.

[@shalcker3315]

It is EU that made it into "us or them" binary choice though - Russia offered tripartite talks on economic matters many times for Ukraine, and countries themselves (most notably Ukraine and Belarus, but many other too) were quite content playing both sides.

[@bohomazdesign725]

@@shalcker3315 ah yeah, so we are going to ignore that Russia is trying to erase other cultures for centuries thru forced russification and if that doesnt work thru ethnic cleansing / genocide. So delusional.

[@shalcker3315]

@@bohomazdesign725 Does West try to erase other cultures by promoting their own values? Many inside those cultures argue that to be true. What this has to do with EU making it into economic "us or them" binary choice rather then Russia though? "Because Russia russified various societies it is okay to stop their economic advances" seems like very weird position to hold.

[@bohomazdesign725]

@@shalcker3315 imagine calling genocide / ethnic cleansing "promoting".

[@shalcker3315]

@@bohomazdesign725 Still not seeing economic connection though.

[@salassian3162]

Bravo, sir. Thank you for your frank talks and especially this one. Very informative and enlightening.

[@karenlankford8558]

I think that everyone should have the mindset of "I could be wrong" and constantly reevaluate their positions in light of new information. The idea that leaders are weak or flip floppers if they change their positions leads people to double down on bad bets.

[@waldemarczarnecki1567]

Nowadays, it is hard to find a man who simply admits that he made mistakes. Mr. Aleksander Stubb is an example of a free man with a very interesting view of our reality, and especially in this, he has an extremely realistic assessment of the geopolitical situation. As a Pole, I cannot fail to notice his exceptionally accurate assessment of Russian policy.

[@hybridarmyoffreeworld]

"We lost nothing." "Also, I declare mobilisation." -Vladolf Pootler

[@hybridarmyoffreeworld]

@Uncle Sam 🏴‍☠️ the main problem is that Muscovy is a badly outdated Genghisid ( Mongol ) empire....

[@neilrusling3438]

Also March 16th, "Special operation is not a land grab", and, "There will be no mobilisation, only contract soldiers and not conscripts will be used"...The next day, "Conscripts ARE being used in Ukraine...but very few", So MANY lies. How are people pro Orc vermin?

[@hiseverest9074]

Yeah. That's because The Putin had a change of plan and thinking of invading the whole of Ukroop. Plus, the soldiers need more vacations and rotation. Thus, the mobilisation.

[@jeffersongeorge2227]

Why should all countries accept being dependent on the US dollar and it being weaponized at will, while at the same time rejecting available cheap energy from Russia? Also Mr Stubbs description of Russia fits perfectly the United States. Maybe not through the eyes of Europe but definitely for everyone else.

[@ohlangeni]

These brainwashed people will ignore this question.

[@nurex9029]

Exactly, I was looking for a comment that points this out, US has alway been a treat to the bigger chunk of the world, wars, sanctions and all, today's Russia would have no problem with any bordering countries if the US weren't poking it's nose in their affairs. Russia and US has a long history of protecting their national interest at all cost. They don't expect the Russians to just sit and watch, imagine if all Russian borders are bothered by NATO, how then will they be able to make a trade decision without any US influence? I guess Europeans can't understand any of this

[@andreasshafombabi645]

I perfectly agree with you, the imperialist here is USA. The fact that he did not mention the effect of American Policy and NATO expansion points to a very biased analysis. The conclusion is the killer, Russia and Putin must be defeated on the battle field as the only way. This goes against even commentary from some of former American generals and of course Prof Sachs. This mane is a war monger, one whose interest this to appease the neecon

[@m......7984]

@@nurex9029 they are the most ignorant people in world, they talk about freedom but don’t understand the concept

[@slowmorbius8805]

You just don't understand any dependence on the United States is a normal sign of a real and free, sovereign nation. Only these countries are sovereign

[@rumchjoe]

Excellent summary - Thank you.

[@KudiGamer]

Very refreshing to see a politician own up to his mistakes, more than anything a sign of character Additionally of course an excellent political analysis As an Austrian I am very frustrated with the constant “neutrality”-pandering that permeates Austrian politics; in times like these it is important to take a stand, not hide behind notions of faux neutrality

[@docken11]

...this is an absolutely phenomenal dissection of historical geopolitical thinking and action in Europe vis-à-vis Russia... from a former PM of Finland no less with deep insight and value with respect to this discussion... just casually posted in KZbin. Amazing!

[@tiriperoo]

Can I ask just one question? Why doesn't Sweden publish the Nord Stream investigation?

[@jenyaclerer]

Thank you for the detailed analysis and honest reflection! That’s exactly what is expected from a leader and I wish more would have done this. You’re absolutely right in your approach to Russian and Ukraine.

[@skinnyTheCat]

Wow! Talk about opposite to what I always hear from all politicians, normally a blame game for all accounts! (just like most people..) This was so heart warming to listen to this kind of reasoning! As a Swede I have always had a lot of honor to and for the Finnish in general. Anyway, glad I found this channel, and thanks Alex for a great lecture! :)

[@hydroac9387]

Great to hear some self reflection and background. Thank you.

[@imnotanalien7839]

This was the most interesting analysis of Russia and its surrounding neighbors so far. Not because of Russia, in particular,…. but because of the nature of preexisting hierarchical power structures. This applies to all countries… and how realistic it is to change them. Thinking about Afghanistan, an impoverished country… yet totally resistance to change…etc., etc., etc. This is also a topic not discussed often. I loved this topic. 🌻

[@emmanikitina8859]

As a russian- I can easily explain this phenomenon: “the nature of preexisting structure” is due to the religion and th4 culture and mentality of the respective peoples. Russians only seem to be europeans. But they are not. Only slightly more than 300 years ago, in the 17-th century, Russia was an Iran. Only Peter, the Great tried to change that and to westernize RUSSIA. He has managed to change the bears, appearance: take out bears, put on european dress i/o roupes, get women out of reclusion, etc. All those exterior things. Deep down Russia remained an “iran” or “afeganistan” whereas the hierarquical structures prevail bcs of the fact the respective religions deny the individual freedom and don’t care for individual life.

[@georgetaladriz1911]

@@emmanikitina8859 don't blame religion alone. Russia never was and never will be a western culture. Religion played a political rol not a spiritual one in the isolation of the country

[@user-zx6fg9lv4d]

@@emmanikitina8859 lol we literally share the same branch of Chriistianity with Greeks, Ukranians, Bulgarians, Romanians and Georgians - pretty much European cultures with majority if them being a part of EU. Tell them about how they ressemble Iran or Afghanistan. Btw, Iran was pretty much secular state before the revolution in the 1970s. Russians just learned to expand and devour its aggressive neighbours not to be devoured themselves - the expansion was the key to survival.

[@user-zx6fg9lv4d]

@@georgetaladriz1911 lol, Russia is a literall inheritator of Byzantine legacy - how European is that? The culture that gave birth to Renaissance with its well preserved classical texts.

[@viktorias63]

@@emmanikitina8859 big mistake blaming religion Russia is not a religious country, the self proclaimed Orpdox Putin is a former KGB and the head of the Church is FSB. Russian ideology is not basd on true following of Christ, but false historical premises that Rus is something you inherited and that your lands were baptized, but they were not.

[@bloodtypena]

As part of a hawk team( lithuanian) I approve this video. And I've said this for the longest time that the rest of the west must listen to us Baltic states and Poland we know what we are talking about we lived it. Believe us we are on the western side and always wanted to be.

[@mcc.o.4835]

Very interesting. Thank you.

[@PhysioAl1]

Great episode Alex. Thanks for your candor and clarity of presentation

[@kiwipiee]

It's extremely humbling to see a political figure admit his/her own mistakes. For me, it's a sign of a great leader. I hope we can see more of that in the overall political landscape. Great work as always Alex!

[@pexxajohannes1506]

Watching political career of Alexander Stubb, was humbling experience, as mistake was his middle name.

[@metokyo4960]

You are just a tool in elite strategist's hands. Wake the f@k up!!!

[@karinfend2980]

Dear Prof. Stubb, thanks for all your efforts built on great experience. I follow your online lessons since available. It's somehow relieving that even you were wrong with Putin. Finland is one of the most respectable countries and will always be. (I'm from an other EU-Country, but spend regularly time in Suomi). You were absolutely right in 2008 and were calmed down by European politics and Zeitgeist. As we all were. Thanks a lot for this commitment. Baltics and Nordics are able to save Europe.

[@galaxycitizen8763]

Such a great way of explaining things.....i could listen all day.

[@bunkermagnus]

Great summary! Great honesty and humility!

[@tomallan5000]

I don’t think the West would still hold Russia accountable if the Ukrainians hadn’t stood and fought rather than collapse under the Russian onslaught. If you look at history trade never was a barrier to conflict and Russia would keep on trying to annex territory if deemed in their interest. The Baltic states and Poland understand this but I am afraid most of the rest of Europe still does not.

[@marcstraus3582]

That was refreshing indeed. But most of all it was inspiring. And if it is a measure of what the STG stands for and hopes to achieve then my mistake is that I havent been following it earlier. So thank you Alex!

[@pcread]

As my Finnish relatives say; "Russia is Russia, even if you fry it in butter." Sounds better in Finnish.

[@MutualZebra0123]

As swedish speaking finns, i used to have a coworker that told me that too in swedish 15 years ago ;)

[@giselapfeifer4666]

Finnish is Finnish, even if you fry it in butter..

[@giselapfeifer4666]

Every land has it's own characteristics which dhould be respected by others..

[@pcread]

@@giselapfeifer4666 unfortunately, the "characteristics" of Finland's neighbour to the east are looked upon by all countries that border it with suspicion.

[@Burgalo2001]

We don't care about u, dwarves🥱🥱🥱🇷🇺Just don't give a fuck

[@ronjeppson6071]

Impressive discussion, keen insight from the European point of view. The takeaway, we all had a hand in creating this mess, now we all get to work on cleaning it up

[@sveng3192]

This guy is totally delusional, listen to Scott Ritter

[@Grenadyer]

Politician publicly reflecting and admitting mistakes. What a rare sight! I’m not Finnish, but thank you for raising standards!

[@anthonyhulse1248]

Definitely subscribing to this quality content

[@ralphclark]

Absolute clarity from someone with a deep understanding. Thank you.

[@TheCronan]

Yep! That 2008 passed by with minimum reactions by the international community goes beyond belief.

[@viviallesly2358]

I’m very surprised to hear such tough language from the ex-leader of Finland, the country that was granted independence by Russia. I’m also dumbfounded by some western leaders’ inability to see Russia’s point of view. You forget how Mikhail Gorbachev was promised that the NATO wouldn’t move inch closer to the East after he allowed Germany to reunite. Russia has repeatedly stated that it feels threatened by the expansion of NATO especially after it peacefully bombed Belgrade and invaded Iraq against the UN resolution. The examples of it are endless. Victoria Nuland admitted sponsoring the US led opposition to overthrow the government that united people in the east and the west in Ukraine. Russia has done exactly what it said it would do on the account of above-mentioned reasons. But you’re deaf and blind on the subject. I wonder why that is.

[@donmountford797]

Because they are upset about NATO expansion, they invaded a non NATO member who has been denied membership? Yes that makes sense?? As a response now they get 2 more neighbor NATO states. This logic is completely irrational. NATO had 0 interest in Russia prior to 2014. A U.S. presidential candidate attempted to bring up Russia as a opposition country and was laughed off the stage in 2012. This war really has nothing to do with NATO. Putin invaded Georgia in 2008 to take territory, invaded Crimmea in 2014 for territory and now Ukraine for territory. Putin, left to his own devices will continue on to Moldova next. He is determined to bring Soviet satellites back to Russian influence. Prior to this, the west would have been more than happy to see Russia become a part of the world and joined the west. All you have to do is remember the warm relationship between Clinton and Yeltsin to know the west wanted better relationships and most importantly stability in geopolitical alignment with Russia.

[@Mari_________]

@@donmountford797 1. Russia has not invaded Georgia and there are no benefits for it here 2. Good relations with Yeltsin? Do you even know what Yeltsin did in Russia and how they hate him? lol 3. The West has always dictated to Russia how it should behave, and did not want to reckon with its interests. And Putin always to blame for everything? If a meteorite falls, will it be Putin's fault too?

[@donmountford797]

1. Russia absolutely invaded Georgia in 2008, South ossetia. 2. I didn't say Yesltsin is popular, (although he did win reelection) I said the west and Russia had good relations and the west did not want an adversarial relationship with Russia. 3. I don't blame Putin for everything. I am more than willing to blame my home country (U.S.A.) when I think they've erred. I've mentioned many times the war in Iraq was wrong and Bush and his cronies belong in the Hague. Supporters of Russia on the other hand never are able to admit Putin's faults. In this war, the U.S. is to blame only because they've passively watch Putin do the same in Crimmea and Georgia so Putin assumed he could do the same again. This misjudgement on Putin's part is because the west has been following a path of appeasement so long that Putin believed the west wouldn't lift a finger in opposition.

[@Mari_________]

@@donmountford797 You are to blame for this war, because to sponsor a coup d'etat in Ukraine together with Nuland in 2014, and a bunch of shit from all sides :) after all, this coup, as many claim, is legitimate - for democracy, and the protests in Moldova are at once the Kremlin's henchmen. I know that Russia is not innocent, but with a list of crimes, Russia will be third after the United States. And again, Russia did not start a war with Georgia in 2008, I know people from there, if anything, this conflict was preceded by the war of the 90s, and the history of more than a hundred years. It's funny how they try to explain to me that Russia is to blame, even without knowing the background, I advise you to read at least the results of the OSCE

[@donmountford797]

@@Mari_________ starting at your last post the OSCE condemns Russia for invading Ukraine. The United States certainly supports a pro western democracy over a authoritarian, pro Russian government but they didn't send troops or do anything to interfere with the Ukrainians. As for Georgia, the land was recognized as Georgian land. Russia invaded and took land from Georgia. While Russia always feels they were antagonize, they fail.to recognize they are the invaders. This would make 3 wars with neighbors in 14 years. That is even more than the U.S.

[@physbang]

Great stuff! Thanks

[@kellykozyraki7969]

I appreciate the fact that you acknowledge your mistakes - everyone makes them. Why is it so hard for Merkel to do the same? By now, she cannot POSSIBLY believe that almost total dependence on russian energy was a good choice. Unless she really is a KGB East German relic

[@gogudelagaze1585]

Admitting that your decision led to such a catastrophe, a decision made despite all the warnings received? It's not easy. The burden of responsibility is immense.

[@hermionegranger__]

Well it was good choice for Germany.

[@peterjenner5431]

I think Angela Merkel had it right. Russia delivered all the gas on time at the right price. Germany and Russia together would be an economic Powerhouse. Zimbabwe did not like that deal. Now that Germany is completely dependent on USA how is that working out?

[@gogudelagaze1585]

It was a good choice to become dependent on a nation that had a literal secret police agent running it, that was putting more of the same in positions of power (the siloviki), while cracking down on any kind of opposition and has been using their supply of natural gas as a weapon against Ukraine(!!!) pretty much every year since 2005. Really. I'm not sure if you argue in bad faith, or just aren't educated on the topic, but it was a terrible idea. Germany, unlike most ex eastern bloc countries had the capabilities to look into alternative supply lines, yet didn't. And the fault for this lies solely on Merkel and possibly her advisors.

[@hermionegranger__]

@@gogudelagaze1585 What alternative supply lines if you can elaborate?

[@rianmonnahan]

Indeed, it is very difficult for politicians (even when they have left office) to admit their mistakes. Yet to err is human, is it not? I appreciate your candour and share your analysis and views on Russia. I too was mistaken in believing Russia could become a "normal" country, that is a responsible stakeholder in the international system. I lived in Russia for a number of years shuttling back and forth between my home in Moscow and my job as a conference interpreter in Geneva. During the Yeltsin years and then during the early Putin terms and the Medvedev interregnum I was rather bullish on Russia. Fair enough, I should have seen the writing on the wall. Early signs were the KHordorkovsky affair, take-over of NTV and the 1st and 2nd wars in Chechnya, the 2007 Munich Security Conference speech. By the time, the war in Georgia, the political assassinations by bullet or poison had occurred, it should have been abundantly clear to all that there was something rotten in Danemark. If, after that, there were any doubts the annexation of Crimea and the Russian state sponsored civil wars in the Donbas should have but an end to our delusions. And yet we soldiered on right up to the point of war this year in 2022. Hind sight is 20-20. Now, I have a very bad taste in my mouth... quite literally every time I have to speak Russian or interpret into English the pack of lies Russian delegates spew in meetings at the International Organisations. Like you and many of the hitherto Russophiles, I feel like the proverbial boiled frog and am unlikely to jump back in Russian pot of stew for some time.

[@user-me6zg9ko8w]

Меняйте профессию, так можно и заболеть. Сейчас самое время, все перемешивается и отслаивается кому куда.

[@zeerakkhan7806]

Candour is no good if it leads to further mistakes.

[@gazzap6664]

Excellent video. Glad I discovered your channel, I think your summary of Russia is accurate. I have faith in human nature and I think to think everyone at heart wants the best for other people, so were I to be in power I would have sat in the camp of Germany, Italy and France and pushed for collaboration and peace through trade so happy I am not in a position to make those decisions.

[@Miata822]

Thank you for this honest and difficult presentation.

[@iamyoda66]

Good rational thinking. You hit the nail on the head with, Russian foreign policy under Putin being a zero sum game.

[@jmwilliamsart]

Why didn’t the Russians make an effort to change that way of thinking and try harder to integrate themselves with the E.U.? Why do the Russians tolerate corruption?

[@ricardothompson5697]

So because putin refuses to bow down to the western way of living and thinking that make him the enemy wake-up look at Europe America dictates how the entire continent operates apart from Russia and Belarus...they all adapt the American way of thinking towards Russia once america can't get them to bend a knee like everyone else they're the problem I suggest Europe leader drop this anti-russia thinking and understand what America's foreign policy have been everywhere around the world

[@tiwiex]

I just disagreed.

[@callace6953]

Thank you so much for this lecture. I'm reminded of the business saying that "an error is only an error if it cannot be put right." Now, we may be in the twelfth hour when it comes to putting this right, and it's costing heinously much more than it should have to - not just in money, but in blood, sweat and tears, but thanks to the Ukrainians, we still have the chance to do it. We should all be grateful - and immensely supportive, of them!

[@PNH-sf4jz]

Agreed and supported.

[@joni8090]

Why ? When obviously America Initiated this entire crisis in Ukraine for Americas/Ukraines Geopolitical interests !

[@PNH-sf4jz]

@@joni8090 Your statement of that hypothesis does not make it true. kzbin.info/www/bejne/rJ2lXqOIpsmseMk Lecture series: Understanding the war Why Mearsheimer is wrong about Russia and the war in Ukraine. Five arguments from Alexander Stubb. 225,652 views 8 Jul 2022 kzbin.info/www/bejne/a3OclZyfrdlkgpY #realrussianclub #russiaukraine #russianpropaganda Russian PROPAGANDA against Ukraine explained | Why Russians don't protest 134,175 views Premiered on 20 Apr 2022 kzbin.info/www/bejne/nV68fIWZlMdqeac "#Ukraine #War #Ctrl_Z Ukraine bombed Donbas for 8 years? 335,225 views 29 Jun 2022 🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦 VICTORY for UKRAINE 🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦

[@joni8090]

@@PNH-sf4jz And your Nonsense Propaganda doesn't make it untrue either ! Slava Russsssiaaa UURRAA 🇷🇺🌹🇷🇺

[@getrudisishganaitis4883]

Cool dude. Subscribing

[@ElijahSmith]

Wow. Such a transparent, wise and laconic thinking. Respect !

[@hazeldmello5800]

Thank you Sir for an amazing analysis of the present situation in the world today. Following events in Ukraine and it has answered all the questions I had in my mind. Best wishes and God bless from New Zealand.