I could listen to this bloke all day. He uses terms that everyone can understand without feeling like a child in a classroom. A very clever man who wants to educate, without saying, "Look at at me 'I'm so intelligent."
Simple way of describing complex situations in a way that is totally digestible. This solved a few questions I had about motives and now the situation is clearer. Not great, but clearer.
This man's intellect is towering and so broad that it's almost intimidating. Remnick is no slouch himself, as he's lived and studied Russia early in his career. I enjoyed this talk very much - very well done!
Yep, and as Kotkin points out, this uniquely Russian 'POV' precedes the formation of NATO and goes all the way back to the Czars. Though such rapid expansion of territory also arguably almost _demands_ some kinda uber-authoritarian strong man figure, just to keep in line the growing list of accumulated territories and disparate cultures, most with separate identities going back for hundreds of years,
I am shocked at the intellectual insight of this man. but why he couldn't say anything about the west being the trouble maker around the world. Noam chomsky said the US is the world's biggest terrorist, and what NATO did around the Muslim world is shocking. A man like himself should be neutral and honest that West is also at fault here.
This is an absolute gem of an interview. This gentleman speaks with clarity and precision. It's very good to have terms like " the west" explained so well. You kind of already think you know it, but he clouds the definition superbly. " The west is not a geographical place". Marvellous.
It is and it isn't IMO, the West is European, it's former colonies, former British Empire nations and a few others like Japan etc, but yeah also rule of law and all that stuff mentioned in the interview.
@@Vanceydress is China even a real threat? If the west moved all their low end production out of China to other countries and back to the west....what would China be?
Incredibly penetrative interview. I am impressed by the intellects involved and the precise use of language, no ers, ums, ahs and hesitations. Thank you
@@67275gtb4 Kotkin is an academic at Princeton, and a very good one. Politics is a different game. Navigating political parties, finding donors, etc. I'm not sure he would like to be involved in that.
I’m not familiar with the guest, but he’s extremely impressive. He puts the information and his view across in a very succinct manner. I wish we had more experts of his caliber on radio and TV.
Just amazing to hear Kotkin's take on the current circumstances. His depth of knowledge and ability to "distill" the complex nuances of Russian perspective so that we can get a better understanding is just incredible. Great, great, great segment.
Do you actually understand what he is saying? are you in favour of imperialism, puppet governments? Cause according to Kotkin that is the west "doing it properly" via EU and NATO and Ukraine is happening because Putin is just a bad guy. Also there are literally videos of Gorbachev talking about the consequences of NATO expansion in the 90s! there was no Putin. Kotkin is for people who seek confirmation bias.
@@MajinXarris No, no… your original comment does not translate that cleanly. You said that because this dude has never lived in Russia, he can’t know anything about it and he’s a fool. Meanwhile, a quick search shows you that Stephen has been to Russia multiple times starting in 1986 and is very highly regarded in the scholarly community. What exactly does someone need to do to be an expert in your opinion?
Great interview! I was glued to every question and every answer. And Every word! Nineteen minutes and 8 seconds of pure gold. Thank you gentlemen. And thank you to the New Yorker for sponsoring this. Paul
If you came here looking to have the agitprop on cable reinforced, you got it. They opened by naming John Mearsheimer, then they never named or refuted one point of Mearsheimer's position on this crisis, and he is the expert. I've read Kotkin's books and watched his lectures, I have a section in my UA-cam library titled Kotkin, but this was an awful conversation. You go to character assassination when you got nothing. It is ironic, Kotkin supports every US NATO escalation and move against all sorts of nations including Russia for the last 30 years, but when Russia pulls an Iraq in Ukraine, Kotkin says Putin must be mad.
I could listen to this guy all day, please have him on more if you can. He has a way that the regular person can understand and it makes so much sense.
2 роки тому+372
Always amazing to listen to Stephen Kotkin. He puts it in simple and clear terms. He cuts through the fog of daily news to deliver the big picture. Thank you for this interview.
'Fer sure, and also nice to hear reminders that Russia's aggressive 'expansionist' tendencies long pre-date the formation of NATO, contrary to claims by John Mearsheimer and other 'Putin-apologists'.
@@ScumbagKonflict I think he’s very,very well informed about everything. I don’t think secret service will employ clueless people. It is pretty amazing dose off hypocrisy, with not even a single moment off shame when he talk about lies he presents as a truth!
@@dezurniprovokator373 oh I didn't even know he's employed by the Secret Service. That puts his lies in perspective. They're doing everything they can to push these lies.
I became familiar with Kotkin during my doctoral study that included Soviet and modern Russia. In a world in which commentators seems to struggle to explain, Kotkin weilds his mastery of history to hit every point on the head. This is why we study history. This is why students of Russian history study Kotkin.
This interview sheds so much light on the history and nuances of what we are dealing with and the difference between the eastern and western mindset that need to be bridged.
I think if you find the evaluation of Russia by a Finnish Intelligence officer, you will see how bridging it is unlikely. Power and strength is key. Russia is fundamentally weak
@@이주영-h5j9nit is you who don't know reality. The Russian economy was seventh largest in the nineteenth century, now it's twelth. It has to spend 30% of its budget to hold in Ukraine.
I have been watched this interviewed three times. I love how he explained all the questions in a very basic English that I understand. His knowledge is so incredible and the way he explain in the very simple term that any body can understand. "The West is not "geographical place"... Wow. Love it... Thank you
Cant give up on Hope thats how the Russians try to win by saying hope is a weakness, not if thats some peoples only way of getting out of bed or not burried in a bottle of Vodka. As they say their Ruissa is doing great & all! Anything even stuff that a normal brain knows cant be possible Russia will point fingers until someone takes the bait ! I hope 🇺🇦 Ukraine built this Scum a Golden Bridge now, sadly 😥
@@darrenlord2468 I hope so, I just can't get my head around Putin who has thousands of nuclear weapons and he's waging war against the free world. Every day I woke up and look at the face of my kids and think what if there is a miss calculation on both sides? I just can't fathom what will happen.
I would love to see Kotkin and Mearsheimer together, with a good moderator, for about 90-120 minutes or so, discussing all this. And he is correct, we need to stop the insane propaganda and find a path to a negotiated settlement.
Not under current circumstances, Kotkin in this discussion is the same as all the media narratives that are Putin is crazy psychotic evil who will self destruct. Professor Mearsheimer is in the camp of 'realpolitik' which is a minority if not on his own.
Putin's Russia has a terrible record on respecting treaties. They angle shoot constantly and simply use implausible deniability rather than address issues. This includes massacres after agreeing truces in 2014, as well as the recent humanitarian corridor breaches.
This was by far the deepest understanding for me of the ongoing chrisis in Ukraine. Most knolegable, like two men just chewing the facts, it was amazing. Thank you.
Both these guys are so intelligent but I love the guy being interviewed, he’s just so darn smart with all his books piled up behind him, he has quick concise answers for question thrown at him. It’s just a privilege to listen to.
This was fascinating, nice description of the Russian state of affairs and the current situation. I've read quite a few books about Stalin and it makes me want to read his book as well.
@@georgesimon1760 doesn't even mention the Minsk Agreement and Ukraine's failure or refusal to implement it for starters. Talks about sanctions as if its Russia that needs europe whereas its the other way around, just yesterday the rolled back scanctions on about 10 Russian banks. Doesn't mention NATO and the fact that Putin wrote a letter to Washington on December 16 pleading with the US for diplomacy on the border issue. These are things you can research if you aren't lazy looking to be spoonfed by so called experts.
Always enjoy listening to brilliant people, and Stephen is certainly one of them. Thank you Stephen and David. Years ago I heard someone say "the sign of a genius is everything is simple". Stephen makes the complicated easily understandable.
STEVE KOTKIN FAILS TO REMIND THAT PUTIN AND THE WEST THAT "GOD" ULTIMATELY WILL DECIDE PUTINS FATE. HIS PERSPECTIVES AND INSIGHTS ARE JUST FLIMSY ASSUMPTIONS IMAGINED BUT CLOUDIES AS TO THE REAL OUTCOME OF THE RUSSIAN ILLEGAL INVASION OF UKURAINE. I THINK PUTIN WILL BE FORCED BY THE WEST TO GIVE UP HIS IMPERIAL ASPIRATIONS MAINLY DUE HIS LACKING OF TOP LEVEL TECHNOLOGIES TO MODERNIZE HIS WEAPON SYSTEMS, LIKE CHEMICAL, NUCLEAR OR CYBERATTACK RESOURCES.
Correct. No one should have been more afraid of Putin than Finland, as it was unprovokedly attacked by Stalin. But for years Finland appeased the USSR and Russia. But Putin opened many eyes. The new midget with Napoleon complex must be stopped and brought to trial. Hopefully, one of his humiliated generals or a simple private will take care of the problem. Those who blame the west are appeasing cowards.
What a great joy to listen to such an informative and understandable historical explanation of how Russia came to be in the position it is today. Thank you Mr. Kotkin, great presentation.
@@ginnyazcona8529 If My Country is under attack amd invaded, I will stay and stand my grohnd and fight all I can sith all my might till my last breath. Now go F yourself if You Think Staying back Defending oan Country is stupid.. YOU are A BLardy Coward.
Kotkin is a treasure. A great example of what a smart, open minded and above all, intensely curious person can accomplish with perseverance. Never even thought he’d “study Russian” when he first entered college, or even grad school.
The final message of this interview was the most significant. We NEED to find a diplomatic off ramp for Russia that avoids the possibilities of the much less pleasant measures that Russia has at its disposal as it becomes more isolated and cornered.
Rare these days to see such an intelligent and coherent discussion presented in such direct and clear terms. Decided immediately to get the audiobook version (volume I) of Kotkin’s book on Stalin. Anything this man produces is likely to be of high quality.
Stephen Kotkin is a gift to the world. I wonder if Mr. Putkin listens to this man or reads his books. The situation is bad if even 'my friend' Kotkin says it's this bad, with few options available to Ukraine and the west.
"Russia is a great culture with a tragic Achilles’ heel: For some reason or tangle of reasons, it cannot produce and embrace wise leaders. The death of Mikhail Gorbachev at age 91 is a sad reminder of Moscow’s inability to bring the old Soviet Union peacefully into the modern age. The chaos that followed the empire’s collapse fostered the rise of Putin, who set his sights not on building a prosperous future but on recovering a corrupt, repressive past." David von Drehle, WashPost. Thank you, New Yorker. Highly intelligent discussion prompted by excellent, laconic questions, all with a NY accent. Love it.
Steve Kotkin is not just a brilliant man; he is a wise man. Listening to the end of this presentation - knowing it was spoken early on in the conflict - is richly rewarded....jt
If the US is strategic (an attribute the US has lacked for decades) about this war, it will enable it to drag on for years into a war of attrition even at a toll of hundreds of thousands of deaths. The war can only hurt Putin and Russia.
I read Catherine the Great and when she came to Russia she found great contradictions in the people, great ability and lawlessness as well...So it seems ingrained.
Kotkin is so spot on with his analogy right up until the last couple of minutes. Obviously the situation on the ground has very recently changed so dramatically and no one including Kotkin could have imagined the spectacular successes of the Ukrainian counter thrust, not only taking back Ukrainian territory but huge amounts of captured Russian soldiers and munitions. Morale within the Russian army is falling off a cliff. There is now a totally different possibility, an end game to this outrageous war that would have seemed impossible just a few weeks ago. My only fear is the use of tactical Nuclear weapons on the battlefield Putin is now a desperate man in a desperate situation
His analysis remains relevant in spite of Ukraine's new advances. As Kotkin said Putin would not stop - he would completely destroy Ukraine if he is not offered some tangible deal that allows him to save face .. so this recent development is great.. but it would not stop Putin
Why is it that it wasn’t (and wouldn’t be even today) acceptable when Russia was in Cuba but is for NATO (ie the US) to be Ukraine? Putting aside the issue of anti-West rhetoric, isn’t it provocative to park NATO/US on Russia’s border? Given Russia’s arsenal and its repeated warnings stretching back decades, isn’t this injudicious? The idea of spheres of influence is basic to foreign policy but the US seems to believe it applies only to itself. It can put a sphere of influence on Russia’s border (Ukraine) just as it can maintain one in China (Taiwan). Ukraine has demonstrated the costly folly of such thinking - a debt we Americans don’t have to pay; we just let Ukrainians take the hit. So far we have learned nothing. If anything, we are emboldened. Let’s see how these false beliefs play out in Taiwan.
@@Ephilates2024 This interview rebutted every point you're trying to make. Did you even watch it? "Spheres of influence" is nonsense. What about the spheres of influence of Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Finland, Sweden, Germany, Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia, Romania, Turkey, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakstan etc.? Your Mearshimerist claims completely ignore all of their concerns. Russia is the economy of Italy or California with pretensions of being an America, a China, a Japan, an EU. And besides Putin's funhouse mirror of a worldview there's the fact that Ukraine's gas reserves in the Donbas are a threat to Russian gas profits.
My big fear is that Kotkin will publish the third volume before I manage to get some understanding on the other two. I was brought up in western education and culture in Canada.For 2 years I have been reading Stalin volumes 1 and 2 a few pages each night so I have some hope of digesting it.At the start when this was going to be a short read I was impatient for the third volume.Now I am dreading it.This dystopia known as Communism surpasses all my understanding. One good thing. Putin's invasion, the lies deceit the refugees the shelling, doesn't surprise me in the least.How it ends is why I looked up this interview.
Because of his clear and concise presentations, I learn so much every time I listen to Steven Kotkin. So grateful for these interviews. NOTE: 0:24 "sick of fans" = pychophant ;)
This Psychologist is so smart all of his answers to the questions about Putin is True I agree…I’m just a regular person but I understand pretty much…God bless you all!Keep safe!!!
I’m so unlearned and unsophisticated. Talks like these make my ignorance self evident. But boy, the deft and subtle way in which information is disseminated in these interviews leave me feeling both informed and educated. Bravo, gentlemen?! Thank you.
This man is articulate beyond measure. He knows his subject in every detail. His mind is organized and sharp, his exposition so compelling, that even a "journalist" is reluctant to interrupt him. The surreal part is that he sounds EXACTLY like Joe Pesci.
He is obviously exaggerating for the sake of the argument. Russia's unfortunately was capable enough to hit quite a few very specific targets like military bases and training camps with ukrainian losses in the hundreds a rocket or two, weapons and fuel storages, tank-repairing facilities and so on. Many rockets, indeed, strayed off course, I can't say how many or what % though, I'm no military expert. I daresay they are less precise than the american ones but precise enough to be quite effective anyway. The tech lag in itself is a very valid argument though but it will probably not manifest itself so fast and as drastically as we hope.
Pure Western propaganda. Russia does have hypersonic missile. Usa don't. Usa have only slow missile. Russia has extremely precise guided missile 305E. Usa is dreaming of getting them. When it comes to technology actually Russia is well ahead of usa.
Stephan Kotkin and David Remnik are two of my favorite intellectuals, both with a long history of knowing about and writing about the Soviet Union or Russia of today. This is a great interview!
What a great interview filled with intelligent insights compared with the ignorance and emptiness of the GOP leaders, which we have to deal with every single day. Refreshing! thank you.
It's the Democrats who are in power, in case you didn't know. And it was Trump who warned Western Europe of the dangers of relying on Russian oil and not contributing enough to their own defense. Oh, and if Trump was in office, Putin would never have unleashed this war. Putin did it because he knows Biden is weak. And for you to call out the GOP's ingorance and emptiness when your side has Kamala Harris as it's VP, is absolutely laughable.
Tom Carl, I have to disagree with you that Putler “knew” Joe Biden was weaker than Donald “But I’d like you to do us a favor though” Trump. The truth is Putin only “thought” Biden and America were weaker after four years of Trump and Trump’s failed insurrection to overthrow our democracy on January 6. For years, Putin made it no secret that he intended to restore Russia to the USSR’s former glory. So. within days of Trump’s failed coup, Putin began moving his troops and weapons to his border with Ukraine. But, Putin was deluded, and that made him the weaker president. Biden unified the nations of the Free World against his invasion and led the efforts to pour hundreds of millions of dollars worth of advanced weaponry into Ukraine, transforming it overnight into one of the most heavily armed nations on earth. Biden’s strong leadership even convinced Switzerland to reverse 500 years of neutrality and ship 5,000 modern anti-tank weapons to Ukraine. As a result, Ukraine has repulsed the Russian Army, and Putin has proven the world that his military is no match for NATO. He has reversed 40 years of economic progress and plunged Russia into a Great Depression. And, now Putler’s greatest fear is a bullet with his name on it in the gun of an FSB or GRU agent.
^All that you say above is complete nonsense… Of course. Your Orange-headed savior and clown of a so called “President” Trump would have licked Putin’s boots and then abandon Ukraine. You’re either a complete ignoramus or your a Putin troll. Or both perhaps.
GOP and Democrats are shallow and without any meaningful analysis. Unless you think making sure certain colors or sexes are part of everything means it is deep. Oh, and not being able to define what a woman is, so deep!
@@TheHarmonicOscillator Another reason Putin decided to invade was after witnessing the lunacy of Biden's Afghanistan withdrawal. I just saw photos of the Taliban the other day. They were decked out in brand new American uniforms, armed with our latest guns. They were resplendent, actually. But you think Putin was inspired to invade because of Jan 6th??? You have got to be kidding. And this ain't over. You watch how the Biden administration reacts when China decides to invade Taiwan. But I'm sure you'll find a way to try to pin that on Trump as well. Good luck with that.
Wow, what a fantastic discussion this is! I am not a politically oriented person, but Steve Kotkin had me taking notes. I will seek out more of his stuff.
I really appreciate how Mr Kotkin can communicate his knowledge in such a clear, concise and articulate way for ordinary people. Very interesting interview.
Such truth this man speaks. He makes it so clear. Many of my thoughts Mr. Kotkin has re-organized now. Thank you to him and Mr. Remnick. I am one who lived under an authoritarian government once.
What a fascinating historian Steve is. Not just his immense knowledge, but his skills to relay that knowledge with clarity. I could listen to him forever. He is right about his view of the golden bridge, and I sure hope the West is making steps towards this.
Steve is an intellectual giant who can talk to us and make the situation he is discussing understandable and interesting to the rest of us. Well done Steve.
It’s a rare pleasure to listen to someone so well versed on the topic
Yes yes yes
EXCELLENT EXPLANATION! 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
Concerning russia Mr. Kotkin is a coryphaeus. He has forgotten more about russia than other people will ever learn.
absolutely
@@fjames208 0
I could listen to this bloke all day. He uses terms that everyone can understand without feeling like a child in a classroom.
A very clever man who wants to educate, without saying, "Look at at me 'I'm so intelligent."
Simple way of describing complex situations in a way that is totally digestible. This solved a few questions I had about motives and now the situation is clearer. Not great, but clearer.
Well put
This man's intellect is towering and so broad that it's almost intimidating. Remnick is no slouch himself, as he's lived and studied Russia early in his career. I enjoyed this talk very much - very well done!
Stephen's analysis is brilliant, he clarifies where most tend to obfuscate behind ambiguity.
Yep, and as Kotkin points out, this uniquely Russian 'POV' precedes the formation of NATO and goes all the way back to the Czars. Though such rapid expansion of territory also arguably almost _demands_ some kinda uber-authoritarian strong man figure, just to keep in line the growing list of accumulated territories and disparate cultures, most with separate identities going back for hundreds of years,
You know he’s read all those books too.
I am shocked at the intellectual insight of this man. but why he couldn't say anything about the west being the trouble maker around the world. Noam chomsky said the US is the world's biggest terrorist, and what NATO did around the Muslim world is shocking. A man like himself should be neutral and honest that West is also at fault here.
@@LowenKM so Russians have always been this way! Russians are not like us. Let's eat em!
This is an absolute gem of an interview. This gentleman speaks with clarity and precision. It's very good to have terms like " the west" explained so well. You kind of already think you know it, but he clouds the definition superbly. " The west is not a geographical place". Marvellous.
It is and it isn't IMO, the West is European, it's former colonies, former British Empire nations and a few others like Japan etc, but yeah also rule of law and all that stuff mentioned in the interview.
@@Vanceydress is China even a real threat?
If the west moved all their low end production out of China to other countries and back to the west....what would China be?
Kotkin is hands down the clearest head on this subject.
WOW!! First time I have listened to Steve Kotkin and now I could listen to him all night. Brilliant guy.
Incredibly penetrative interview. I am impressed by the intellects involved and the precise use of language, no ers, ums, ahs and hesitations. Thank you
It’s a shame that people of this caliber do not involve themselves in politics. His kind is needed…
@@67275gtb4 Agreed!
We agree all the way in southern Africa
@@67275gtb4 Kotkin is an academic at Princeton, and a very good one. Politics is a different game. Navigating political parties, finding donors, etc. I'm not sure he would like to be involved in that.
@@67275gtb4 Better that people like him advise the politicians who need different skill sets.
I’m not familiar with the guest, but he’s extremely impressive. He puts the information and his view across in a very succinct manner. I wish we had more experts of his caliber on radio and TV.
Just amazing to hear Kotkin's take on the current circumstances. His depth of knowledge and ability to "distill" the complex nuances of Russian perspective so that we can get a better understanding is just incredible. Great, great, great segment.
His clarity is just stunning.
What you call "distilling" I call "oversimplifying"
Do you actually understand what he is saying? are you in favour of imperialism, puppet governments? Cause according to Kotkin that is the west "doing it properly" via EU and NATO and Ukraine is happening because Putin is just a bad guy. Also there are literally videos of Gorbachev talking about the consequences of NATO expansion in the 90s! there was no Putin. Kotkin is for people who seek confirmation bias.
@@MajinXarris
That’s some twisted logic you have.
@@MajinXarris
No, no… your original comment does not translate that cleanly. You said that because this dude has never lived in Russia, he can’t know anything about it and he’s a fool. Meanwhile, a quick search shows you that Stephen has been to Russia multiple times starting in 1986 and is very highly regarded in the scholarly community. What exactly does someone need to do to be an expert in your opinion?
Great interview! I was glued to every question and every answer. And Every word! Nineteen minutes and 8 seconds of pure gold.
Thank you gentlemen.
And thank you to the New Yorker for sponsoring this.
Paul
I agree 100 percent!
I was totally engrossed thinking, wow, this pure gold, then I scrolled down the comments and exactly what you said.
This was fantastic. Steve provided the ultimate clinic on the psychology of Russia, filled with historical references.
If you came here looking to have the agitprop on cable reinforced, you got it. They opened by naming John Mearsheimer, then they never named or refuted one point of Mearsheimer's position on this crisis, and he is the expert. I've read Kotkin's books and watched his lectures, I have a section in my UA-cam library titled Kotkin, but this was an awful conversation.
You go to character assassination when you got nothing. It is ironic, Kotkin supports every US NATO escalation and move against all sorts of nations including Russia for the last 30 years, but when Russia pulls an Iraq in Ukraine, Kotkin says Putin must be mad.
@@johnsmith1474 can you share that video link..
@@johnsmith1474 mmk
@allgood what?... he din't compare Zelensky to Hussein at all...? he compared Russia's invasion of Ukraine with the US invasion of Iraq.
@@ScumfuckMcDoucheface Yes he did. He is comparing both and I agree.
I could listen to this guy all day, please have him on more if you can. He has a way that the regular person can understand and it makes so much sense.
Always amazing to listen to Stephen Kotkin. He puts it in simple and clear terms. He cuts through the fog of daily news to deliver the big picture. Thank you for this interview.
'Fer sure, and also nice to hear reminders that Russia's aggressive 'expansionist' tendencies long pre-date the formation of NATO, contrary to claims by John Mearsheimer and other 'Putin-apologists'.
Off course “ he puts it in simple and clear terms” !Will be a problem spreading lies if are not in a clear and simple terms!
He's clueless.
@@ScumbagKonflict I think he’s very,very well informed about everything. I don’t think secret service will employ clueless people. It is pretty amazing dose off hypocrisy, with not even a single moment off shame when he talk about lies he presents as a truth!
@@dezurniprovokator373 oh I didn't even know he's employed by the Secret Service. That puts his lies in perspective. They're doing everything they can to push these lies.
I became familiar with Kotkin during my doctoral study that included Soviet and modern Russia. In a world in which commentators seems to struggle to explain, Kotkin weilds his mastery of history to hit every point on the head. This is why we study history. This is why students of Russian history study Kotkin.
Врун он! Story teller 🤔🤯
One of the best and most succinct analysis I’ve heard. Thank you
Agree, I learned more in that 20 minutes than I have in following the war for six months!!! THANKS
This interview sheds so much light on the history and nuances of what we are dealing with and the difference between the eastern and western mindset that need to be bridged.
I think if you find the evaluation of Russia by a Finnish Intelligence officer, you will see how bridging it is unlikely.
Power and strength is key. Russia is fundamentally weak
Oh, really? Bul he's talking about not reality at all. 😵🤯 Что-то дядька напридумал?...? 😲
@@이주영-h5j9nit is you who don't know reality. The Russian economy was seventh largest in the nineteenth century, now it's twelth. It has to spend 30% of its budget to hold in Ukraine.
@@stephenhill545 it would have included Baltics Finland Poland Belarus & all of Central Asia Ukraine & till 1868 Alaska .
I have been watched this interviewed three times. I love how he explained all the questions in a very basic English that I understand. His knowledge is so incredible and the way he explain in the very simple term that any body can understand. "The West is not "geographical place"... Wow. Love it... Thank you
Не's big..... liar. Дядька сочиняет на ходу! 🤯🤔
I can watch and listen to this guy over and over! he just makes me feel that we have hope in the world.
Cant give up on Hope thats how the Russians try to win by saying hope is a weakness, not if thats some peoples only way of getting out of bed or not burried in a bottle of Vodka. As they say their Ruissa is doing great & all! Anything even stuff that a normal brain knows cant be possible Russia will point fingers until someone takes the bait ! I hope 🇺🇦 Ukraine built this Scum a Golden Bridge now, sadly 😥
@@darrenlord2468 I hope so, I just can't get my head around Putin who has thousands of nuclear weapons and he's waging war against the free world. Every day I woke up and look at the face of my kids and think what if there is a miss calculation on both sides? I just can't fathom what will happen.
🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡
Impressive interview. You let the interviewee talk, which is rare with mainstream egos. Questions were thought-provoking and intelligent. Thank you.
Without doubt, Cotkin is the most informative, accessible & above all sound, commentator upon Russia we have today.
WOW!
This interview must be heard. Thanks to all involved.
I would love to see Kotkin and Mearsheimer together, with a good moderator, for about 90-120 minutes or so, discussing all this.
And he is correct, we need to stop the insane propaganda and find a path to a negotiated settlement.
Hear hear!
Not under current circumstances, Kotkin in this discussion is the same as all the media narratives that are Putin is crazy psychotic evil who will self destruct. Professor Mearsheimer is in the camp of 'realpolitik' which is a minority if not on his own.
Mearsheimer is stupidly naive and his theories are on the level of highschool kids theres nothing to discuss about
Mearsheimer can go and live in Ukraine after it is under Russian oppression.
Putin's Russia has a terrible record on respecting treaties. They angle shoot constantly and simply use implausible deniability rather than address issues.
This includes massacres after agreeing truces in 2014, as well as the recent humanitarian corridor breaches.
6 months later- this at the front of the situation, Steve Kotkin is amazing!
This was by far the deepest understanding for me of the ongoing chrisis in Ukraine. Most knolegable, like two men just chewing the facts, it was amazing. Thank you.
Both these guys are so intelligent but I love the guy being interviewed, he’s just so darn smart with all his books piled up behind him, he has quick concise answers for question thrown at him. It’s just a privilege to listen to.
This was fascinating, nice description of the Russian state of affairs and the current situation. I've read quite a few books about Stalin and it makes me want to read his book as well.
Me too.
He was wrong on every count . His BS is towering not his intellect
He's incredibly wrong on nearly everything.
@@ScumbagKonflict Interesting. What is he wrong about?
@@georgesimon1760 doesn't even mention the Minsk Agreement and Ukraine's failure or refusal to implement it for starters. Talks about sanctions as if its Russia that needs europe whereas its the other way around, just yesterday the rolled back scanctions on about 10 Russian banks. Doesn't mention NATO and the fact that Putin wrote a letter to Washington on December 16 pleading with the US for diplomacy on the border issue. These are things you can research if you aren't lazy looking to be spoonfed by so called experts.
Always enjoy listening to brilliant people, and Stephen is certainly one of them. Thank you Stephen and David. Years ago I heard someone say "the sign of a genius is everything is simple". Stephen makes the complicated easily understandable.
STEVE KOTKIN FAILS TO REMIND THAT PUTIN AND THE WEST THAT "GOD" ULTIMATELY WILL DECIDE PUTINS FATE.
HIS
PERSPECTIVES AND INSIGHTS ARE JUST FLIMSY ASSUMPTIONS IMAGINED BUT CLOUDIES AS TO THE REAL OUTCOME OF THE RUSSIAN ILLEGAL INVASION OF UKURAINE.
I THINK
PUTIN WILL BE FORCED BY THE WEST TO GIVE UP HIS IMPERIAL ASPIRATIONS MAINLY DUE HIS LACKING OF TOP LEVEL TECHNOLOGIES TO MODERNIZE HIS WEAPON SYSTEMS, LIKE CHEMICAL, NUCLEAR OR CYBERATTACK RESOURCES.
Superbly interesting interview. Thank you Mr. Kotkin and David Remnick for enlightenment of the best type.
Blaming the countries that were victims of the USSR for defending themselves in NATO, is at best stupidity; at worst, betrayal.
Yes, totally agree, we don't want to live under Russia never again.
Correct. No one should have been more afraid of Putin than Finland, as it was unprovokedly attacked by Stalin. But for years Finland appeased the USSR and Russia. But Putin opened many eyes. The new midget with Napoleon complex must be stopped and brought to trial. Hopefully, one of his humiliated generals or a simple private will take care of the problem. Those who blame the west are appeasing cowards.
. Exactly! It time for Russia (the government, not the people) to GROW UP!
Highly recommend watching this a brief yet detailed history of Russia
What a great joy to listen to such an informative and understandable historical explanation of how Russia came to be in the position it is today. Thank you Mr. Kotkin, great presentation.
No one mentions that Zelensky that before he was an actor he studied law so he's a clever man
Clever? You mean you think leading your country to destruction is clever? Maybe he is Mickey mouse.
@@ginnyazcona8529 He is leading his people back to the freedom they treasure. Putin is the one causing the destruction
@@ginnyazcona8529 Don't let them pay you in rubles
@@ginnyazcona8529 If My Country is under attack amd invaded, I will stay and stand my grohnd and fight all I can sith all my might till my last breath. Now go F yourself if You Think Staying back Defending oan Country is stupid.. YOU are A BLardy Coward.
So, lawyers are clever. Actors, not clever. Is that how it goes?
Kotkin is a treasure. A great example of what a smart, open minded and above all, intensely curious person can accomplish with perseverance. Never even thought he’d “study Russian” when he first entered college, or even grad school.
That was mindblowing...what a great insight into not only russia but also his explanation of what is the West was sensational
Gives one hope listening to this conversation. Thank you both.
I've never heard of this Guy before,he's unbelievable.His knowledge and depth of the Mad Dog state is unparalleled.
Stephen Kotkin....So profound. Thank you for sharing!
Grateful for one of the most clear pieces on Putins Russia and this debacle our world finds us in. Perfection.
The final message of this interview was the most significant. We NEED to find a diplomatic off ramp for Russia that avoids the possibilities of the much less pleasant measures that Russia has at its disposal as it becomes more isolated and cornered.
You need to review your views mate. Two months on and we are the ones who are isolated . Russia is doing just fine . This interview was rubbish
Lolol as times goes on it's the west that's isolated and collapsing.
@@trevorcrook5753 You're whistling past the graveyard, comrades "Crook" & "buzuxi".
Rare these days to see such an intelligent and coherent discussion presented in such direct and clear terms. Decided immediately to get the audiobook version (volume I) of Kotkin’s book on Stalin. Anything this man produces is likely to be of high quality.
Stephen Kotkin is a gift to the world. I wonder if Mr. Putkin listens to this man or reads his books. The situation is bad if even 'my friend' Kotkin says it's this bad, with few options available to Ukraine and the west.
"Russia is a great culture with a tragic Achilles’ heel: For some reason or tangle of reasons, it cannot produce and embrace wise leaders. The death of Mikhail Gorbachev at age 91 is a sad reminder of Moscow’s inability to bring the old Soviet Union peacefully into the modern age. The chaos that followed the empire’s collapse fostered the rise of Putin, who set his sights not on building a prosperous future but on recovering a corrupt, repressive past." David von Drehle, WashPost. Thank you, New Yorker. Highly intelligent discussion prompted by excellent, laconic questions, all with a NY accent. Love it.
A deep Thankyou Mr Cotkin
for sharing , in terms we can understand, the clarity and depth of your knowledge, during this unbelievable time.
Thank you so much for making this free to watch on YT.
Wow, so informative and intellectually precise. I can listen to this guy all day! 🤓
Great analysis, Steve Kotkin!!
I lose patience with a lot of similar interviews on UA-cam - but this was great, on both sides 👌
Steve Kotkin is not just a brilliant man; he is a wise man. Listening to the end of this presentation - knowing it was spoken early on in the conflict - is richly rewarded....jt
'Never interrupt your enemy when he's making a mistake'..Napoléon.
Yes, love the quote, but people are dying, a country is being destroyed.
If the US is strategic (an attribute the US has lacked for decades) about this war, it will enable it to drag on for years into a war of attrition even at a toll of hundreds of thousands of deaths. The war can only hurt Putin and Russia.
This is the kind of in-depth, well-read, detailed interview that makes Joe Rogan look like an idiot. Thank you.
Joe Rogan is high school banter. This is an academic study.
Rogan is a backwater semi illiterate.
It does not take much to make Rogan look like an idiot, but a lot to let his followers to understand that.
Absolutely brilliant reporting and very informative content, one of the best I have experienced.
What? It is not real story and history. О чём он рассуждает??? 🤔😵
This guy's knowledge is very impressive. Amazed at how well he understands all the various aspects of history and life in Russia.
🤡
I read Catherine the Great and when she came to Russia she found great contradictions in the people, great ability and lawlessness as well...So it seems ingrained.
at least she knew how to hire competent military leaders to run the army without grifters
When Catherine the Great was ruling Russia, USA was printing their laws allowing slavery. Is racism ingrained in USA?
@@leaselmary_sims2189 She also allowed slavery, as serfdom, in Russia. Serfdom lasted until 1861 in Russia.
@@leaselmary_sims2189 I think racism is not inherent to US culture, but it is constitutive to Russian identity.
Fabulous interview! Helped me clarify several things. Thank you!
This was an excellent interview! So informative and clearly explained. I also appreciated the historical references. Thank you.
Kotkin is so spot on with his analogy right up until the last couple of minutes. Obviously the situation on the ground has very recently changed so dramatically and no one including Kotkin could have imagined the spectacular successes of the Ukrainian counter thrust, not only taking back Ukrainian territory but huge amounts of captured Russian soldiers and munitions. Morale within the Russian army is falling off a cliff. There is now a totally different possibility, an end game to this outrageous war that would have seemed impossible just a few weeks ago. My only fear is the use of tactical Nuclear weapons on the battlefield Putin is now a desperate man in a desperate situation
Mike, I see your point, but what do you recommend as an "out" for Putin?
His analysis remains relevant in spite of Ukraine's new advances. As Kotkin said Putin would not stop - he would completely destroy Ukraine if he is not offered some tangible deal that allows him to save face .. so this recent development is great.. but it would not stop Putin
How's Ukraine looking right now?
Hey bro, is prZel panhanding within the train?
Reading this 2 weeks later. Unfortunately, the deescalation hasn't happened. Very wise and studied man on this subject. Thank you.
It was a pleasure, and owesome, to hear someone so smart, and knowledgeable about politics.
One of the best talks about Russia I have seen. Well done Steve Kotkin.
Kotkin is brilliant. A very rewarding interview!
Gem of an interview. Penetrating cogent insights into Russia and the current Ukraine situation.
🤡
Every time I listen to Steve, he just blows my mind!! It’s a lot to process. His Lex Freedman interview is well worth listening too ✊🏻
Wow! An amazingly well researched, logical, and reasoned presentation.
Fantastic. Would love to see more of these two .
Mearsheimer's West-blaming myopia destroyed much of my respect for his analyses.
I absolutely agree.
yes. the West is a unicorn really.
Why is it that it wasn’t (and wouldn’t be even today) acceptable when Russia was in Cuba but is for NATO (ie the US) to be Ukraine? Putting aside the issue of anti-West rhetoric, isn’t it provocative to park NATO/US on Russia’s border? Given Russia’s arsenal and its repeated warnings stretching back decades, isn’t this injudicious? The idea of spheres of influence is basic to foreign policy but the US seems to believe it applies only to itself. It can put a sphere of influence on Russia’s border (Ukraine) just as it can maintain one in China (Taiwan). Ukraine has demonstrated the costly folly of such thinking - a debt we Americans don’t have to pay; we just let Ukrainians take the hit. So far we have learned nothing. If anything, we are emboldened. Let’s see how these false beliefs play out in Taiwan.
@@Ephilates2024 That tired, stupid question again. You Russian trolls need to learn both current military realities and logic. Goodbye.
@@Ephilates2024 This interview rebutted every point you're trying to make. Did you even watch it?
"Spheres of influence" is nonsense. What about the spheres of influence of Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Finland, Sweden, Germany, Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia, Romania, Turkey, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakstan etc.? Your Mearshimerist claims completely ignore all of their concerns.
Russia is the economy of Italy or California with pretensions of being an America, a China, a Japan, an EU.
And besides Putin's funhouse mirror of a worldview there's the fact that Ukraine's gas reserves in the Donbas are a threat to Russian gas profits.
The person who is interviewed has good sense of the issue.
My big fear is that Kotkin will publish the third volume before I manage to get some understanding on the other two. I was brought up in western education and culture in Canada.For 2 years I have been reading Stalin volumes 1 and 2 a few pages each night so I have some hope of digesting it.At the start when this was going to be a short read I was impatient for the third volume.Now I am dreading it.This dystopia known as Communism surpasses all my understanding. One good thing.
Putin's invasion, the lies deceit the refugees the shelling, doesn't surprise me in the least.How it ends is why I looked up this interview.
Because of his clear and concise presentations, I learn so much every time I listen to Steven Kotkin. So grateful for these interviews. NOTE: 0:24 "sick of fans" = pychophant ;)
you probably meant sycophant
This Psychologist is so smart all of his answers to the questions about Putin is True I agree…I’m just a regular person but I understand pretty much…God bless you all!Keep safe!!!
I’m so unlearned and unsophisticated. Talks like these make my ignorance self evident. But boy, the deft and subtle way in which information is disseminated in these interviews leave me feeling both informed and educated. Bravo, gentlemen?! Thank you.
First time seeing both men. Excellent production, very informative. Thank you.
One of the most lucid and correct assessments I have heard in a while. Thank you!
Thank you so much for this. Very, very interesting and concise.
This man is articulate beyond measure. He knows his subject in every detail. His mind is organized and sharp, his exposition so compelling, that even a "journalist" is reluctant to interrupt him.
The surreal part is that he sounds EXACTLY like Joe Pesci.
Sounds feminine voice
How is it possible that Russia sends spacecraft to orbit but cannot hit an airfield with a missile?
One requires education and intelligence
The other uses meatheads 😂
Obviously joking
He is obviously exaggerating for the sake of the argument. Russia's unfortunately was capable enough to hit quite a few very specific targets like military bases and training camps with ukrainian losses in the hundreds a rocket or two, weapons and fuel storages, tank-repairing facilities and so on. Many rockets, indeed, strayed off course, I can't say how many or what % though, I'm no military expert. I daresay they are less precise than the american ones but precise enough to be quite effective anyway. The tech lag in itself is a very valid argument though but it will probably not manifest itself so fast and as drastically as we hope.
The latter requires advanced Western microchip technology, I think.
Pure Western propaganda. Russia does have hypersonic missile. Usa don't. Usa have only slow missile.
Russia has extremely precise guided missile 305E. Usa is dreaming of getting them. When it comes to technology actually Russia is well ahead of usa.
@@karmpuscookie microship are made in Taiwan not in Chicago or London...
Thank you so much for this video. Thank you for the Historian's way of explaining things so clear and simple.
Clear ,concise and informative.👍
Stephan Kotkin and David Remnik are two of my favorite intellectuals, both with a long history of knowing about and writing about the Soviet Union or Russia of today. This is a great interview!
What a great interview filled with intelligent insights compared with the ignorance and emptiness of the GOP leaders, which we have to deal with every single day. Refreshing! thank you.
It's the Democrats who are in power, in case you didn't know. And it was Trump who warned Western Europe of the dangers of relying on Russian oil and not contributing enough to their own defense.
Oh, and if Trump was in office, Putin would never have unleashed this war. Putin did it because he knows Biden is weak.
And for you to call out the GOP's ingorance and emptiness when your side has Kamala Harris as it's VP, is absolutely laughable.
Tom Carl, I have to disagree with you that Putler “knew” Joe Biden was weaker than Donald “But I’d like you to do us a favor though” Trump. The truth is Putin only “thought” Biden and America were weaker after four years of Trump and Trump’s failed insurrection to overthrow our democracy on January 6. For years, Putin made it no secret that he intended to restore Russia to the USSR’s former glory. So. within days of Trump’s failed coup, Putin began moving his troops and weapons to his border with Ukraine.
But, Putin was deluded, and that made him the weaker president. Biden unified the nations of the Free World against his invasion and led the efforts to pour hundreds of millions of dollars worth of advanced weaponry into Ukraine, transforming it overnight into one of the most heavily armed nations on earth. Biden’s strong leadership even convinced Switzerland to reverse 500 years of neutrality and ship 5,000 modern anti-tank weapons to Ukraine.
As a result, Ukraine has repulsed the Russian Army, and Putin has proven the world that his military is no match for NATO. He has reversed 40 years of economic progress and plunged Russia into a Great Depression. And, now Putler’s greatest fear is a bullet with his name on it in the gun of an FSB or GRU agent.
^All that you say above is complete nonsense…
Of course. Your Orange-headed savior and clown of a so called “President” Trump would have licked Putin’s boots and then abandon Ukraine.
You’re either a complete ignoramus or your a Putin troll.
Or both perhaps.
GOP and Democrats are shallow and without any meaningful analysis. Unless you think making sure certain colors or sexes are part of everything means it is deep. Oh, and not being able to define what a woman is, so deep!
@@TheHarmonicOscillator Another reason Putin decided to invade was after witnessing the lunacy of Biden's Afghanistan withdrawal. I just saw photos of the Taliban the other day. They were decked out in brand new American uniforms, armed with our latest guns. They were resplendent, actually.
But you think Putin was inspired to invade because of Jan 6th??? You have got to be kidding.
And this ain't over. You watch how the Biden administration reacts when China decides to invade Taiwan.
But I'm sure you'll find a way to try to pin that on Trump as well. Good luck with that.
This is The Best interview I have seen since the start of the invasion.
Brilliant.
Best discussion on Russia Ukraine war to date. Outstanding. Thank you.
Very accurate, very depressing, the final answer lies in the streets of Russia itself, nowhere else
Fascinating and very eye opening. Thank you.
Wow, what a fantastic discussion this is! I am not a politically oriented person, but Steve Kotkin had me taking notes. I will seek out more of his stuff.
What an excellent interview- so clear and well presented. Thanks
I really appreciate how Mr Kotkin can communicate his knowledge in such a clear, concise and articulate way for ordinary people. Very interesting interview.
You are describing a "Mafia State" where everything is a shakedown. It's sad I feel for them. Thank you for your insights.
Some might argue many "nation states" are really Mafia States masquerading in the United Nations, the ultimate Mafia.
an excellent in depth interview! should help many understand the situation.
Thank you for this insightful talk.
Such truth this man speaks. He makes it so clear. Many of my thoughts Mr. Kotkin has re-organized now. Thank you to him and Mr. Remnick. I am one who lived under an authoritarian government once.
What a fascinating historian Steve is. Not just his immense knowledge, but his skills to relay that knowledge with clarity. I could listen to him forever.
He is right about his view of the golden bridge, and I sure hope the West is making steps towards this.
Informed, enlightened, insightful, and communication clear as a bell. Brilliant interview, Q's and Ans.
I really appreciate your study. I am glad to see how you explained the Putin regime and the fact that we are united against Putin.
Superb interviewee whose analysis was truly outstanding, subscribed.
This is the epitome of wisdom in a single conversation.
Steve is an intellectual giant who can talk to us and make the situation he is discussing understandable and interesting to the rest of us. Well done Steve.
Finally, 20mins of straight, unbiased and clear analysis of the situation. The rest out there is noise and propaganda
Unfortunately, this was 20 minutes of clear propaganda.
Congratulations Mr.Kotkin, it was a pleasure to listen to you about these broad thoughts on the Russian-Ukraine Conflict.
"Evil is its own death warrant."