How America's Actions Impact the Rest of the Western World | Victor Davis Hanson
Вставка
- Опубліковано 9 бер 2024
- In this clip, John and Victor discuss plausible methods to protect the west from potential threats like China and Russia, placing emphasis on the war in Ukraine.
Victor Davis Hanson is an American classicist, military historian, columnist, and farmer. He has been a commentator on contemporary politics for the National Review and The Washington Times and is currently the Martin and Illie Anderson Senior Fellow at Stanford University’s Hoover Institution.
In addition to writing hundreds of articles, book reviews and newspaper editorials, Hanson is also the author of twenty-four books and hosts a regular podcast series, 'The Victor Davis Hanson Show'. Hanson was awarded the National Humanities Medal in 2007 by President George W. Bush, and was a presidential appointee in 2007-08 on the American Battle Monuments Commission. His latest book, The Dying Citizen, was published in October 2021. And his next book, soon to be released on May the 7th this year, The End of Everything, How Wars Descend Into Annihilation.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The podcast features John Anderson, former Deputy Prime Minister of Australia, interviewing the world's foremost thought leaders about today's pressing social, cultural and political issues.
If you value this discussion and want to see more like it, make sure you subscribe to the channel here: / @johnandersonconversat...
Stay right up to date with all the conversations by subscribing to the newsletter here: johnanderson.net.au/contact/
Follow John on Twitter: / johnandersonac
Follow John on Facebook: / johnandersonac
Follow John on Instagram: / johnandersonac
Support the channel: johnanderson.net.au/support/
Website: johnanderson.net.au/
Podcast: johnanderson.net.au/podcasts/
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
www.hoover.org/profiles/victo...
/ vdhanson
victorhanson.com/
America is currently plagued by the hydra-headed evil duo of inflation and recession. The worst part about this recession is that consumers are racking up credit card debt. In April alone, credit card debt went up 20% while rates have doubled in a year. Inflation is so high that consumers are literally taking debt for basic life necessities. Collapse has indeed begun..
Asking for advice or assistance from a consultant or investment coach is the best line of action if you lack market understanding. Even though it sounds cliche or apparent, talking to a consultant has helped me stay afloat in the market and increase my portfolio to roughly 65% since January 2023. That, in my opinion, is now the most successful strategy for entering the market.
Would you mind recommending a specialist with a variety of investment options? This is extremely rare, and I eagerly await your response.
Aileen Gertrude Tippy'' is her name. She is regarded as a genius in her area and works for Empower Financial Services. She’s quite known in her field, look-her up.
Thank you for this tip. It was easy to find your coach. Did my due diligence on her before scheduling a phone call with her. She seems proficient considering her resume.
I served as a medic in Vietnam. This insanity, this escalation, this march toward World War Three started with the debacle in Ukraine. This is insanity.
Didn't it begin when they started to expand NATO eastwards in the 90s rather? Breaking their promises made to Russia that they were not going to do so.
@@bosse641sounds about right
Yes, give Russia half of Ukraine or the whole and they will want the Baltics and after Poland
@@happyfelix1440 at this point Russia is going to take from Ukraine whatever they believe is required to secure their nation. Then we will see if you are correct about Russian imperial ambitions. I don’t believe there is such a threat, but we’ll know soon.
@@happyfelix1440 Give Russia neutral Ukraine and it will stop. It didn't intend to conquer Ukraine at all - there were too few troops in February, 2022. The war could have been stopped 2 years ago with much softer conditions for Ukraine, with less territories lost.
The big problem now is distrust: Russia doesn't trust the West, they broke the Minsk accord and pumped weapons inside Ukraine instead of stopping the civil war in Donbas.
The entire situation in Ukraine was avoidable
Yes but the West regard Russia as a small country in the Middle East
Victoria Nuland should be held accountable.
Putin is the war criminal who should be held accountable.
The deep state will protect her.
Biden will pardon her. She is a good war crimes candidate. Can Putin put an arrest warrant on her on any Bric's country?
She should be tried for war crimes and put in prison for life.
Not a good Jew
Let’s not pretend that is not an American proxy war.
Sure, just like Russia was funding and helping iran fund proxy wars against the US throughout their stay in Iraq/Syria and Afghanistan
Let's not pretend you know what you're talking about either, then.
@@Marc-vc1wo it’s not as if the US has not done it before. Afghan Mujahideen in the 80s was a similar proxy war against the same opponent.
@@zeissiez yes, the U.S. initiated that counterinsurgency. The U.S. did not make Russia invade Ukraine, Russia did that on its own. Stupidly and foolishly, it turns out.
The U.S. did not make Ukraine resist. The Ukrainians did that on their own.
@@Marc-vc1wo Victory Nuland: You are right
Ukraine could never win against Russia, and that was figured from the beginning!
Afghanistan won against Russia with support from the US. Know your history champ
@@user-vo4sk9vg8h Afghanistan won against the USA with no help from anyone. Know your history champ.
@@harleyquinn8202Afghanistan did not won against either USA or Soviet union, they just pulled off. Afghans used to fight while hiding in caves and roaming as normal civillians etc. both the nations could have wiped out entire afgan population if they had wanted. I'm tired of listening that Afghans defeated US and USSR
Да только СССР строил дома, дороги, школы и тоннели в горах, а Америка выращивала наркотики. Вот такая разница. Русские сейчас ездят в Афганистан без опаски. Спасибо Американцам, что показали разницу.
@@user-vo4sk9vg8hNot even remotely relevant champ. Afghanistan was fighting a guerilla war against a conventional adversary.
Ukraine is fighting a conventional war in which they might have a marginal technological advantage but a huge numerical disadvantage.
We definitely should not get involved as Australians.
Negotiate with Russia is the only way out.
The thought of Russia losing isn't an option, just think that through.
A cornered super power
I don't get why people picture it this way. For Ukraine to "win" it means repelling the invasion- the invading force retreats. Why would anyone picture that Ukraine would invade Russia?
Ukraine is running out of troops, doesn’t matter how many weapons you give them. It takes 5X the effort to over take a defensive position.
Then they should study Neville Chamberlain's notes.
@@fortunefair Afghanistan didn't.
Russia is absolutely not a superpower
America needs to take care of the homeless & struggling people here lifes so expensive nowadays. If people are afraid of nuclear war then leave it alone, no one batted an eyelash when Crimea shifted to Russia, Ukraine accepted weapons that can shoot a nuclear warhead at Russia - if a country donated weapons like that to Mexico it would probably make everyone here in the U.S.A.a bit nervous.
Yeah, the US, still reeling from the Great Depression, made a BIG mistake on Dec 8th and Dec 11th 1941.
the price of gas is depressing im 60 & on a fixed income, what were all those wars for in the middle east .America should be getting paid in gas@@user-1rg9f2-g3l6d
There's lots of issues isn't there? One the one hand you are overlooking the recent history of Ukrainian people since Stalin's genocide of the 1930s where millions of Ukrainians were either murdered, starved, taken to gulags and ethnic Russians brought in for collectives.
On the other, there's a lot to be said for people of the USA to stay out of another European war.
There's genocide in 2024 NY to South N.J most people like me know fam, friends,co workers, & associates that od on fet, 100000 across the U.S yearly. Thats more U.S deaths than Vietnam & Korea. I@@johncater7861
We need to stop taking in poor immigrants, stop taking care of people, stop wars, get the government out of healthcare, end all the woke garbage, stop investing in losers, stop investing in other countries, and start investing in infrastructure. The US spends most of the budget on things that have no benefit to the US. Investing in people is a waste, because it just creates lazy people. We need to invest in massive infrastructure projects that would change America for the better. Get the federal government out of education completely. No education loans, no farm loans. Then delete 80% of the laws on the books
The American empire has a knack for mucking these up
Agreed but don’t get me started on the British empire .
@@AverageJoe483 Please start.
There is no "American empire."
@@angelmessenger8240 Rhodesia , India , British Mandate ….
@@TTFN55yeah right 🙄
It’s called Wall Street and it owns the financial system created by the British Empire
When you see with only one eye.
Why John Anderson does not interview Scott Ritter? Huh?
Interesting isn't it. You can tell the politics by those they won't interview.
Anti-Israel Ritter ?
Liberal talking shop
Col Macgregor Ret would be better
I used to listen to Ritter and I had some red flags and they turned out to correct. I no longer consider Ritter as reliable.
You negotiate to end a conflict not intentionally keep it going at a cost of live and trillion upon trillion unless your intent is to make you and all your friends rich, and concidering congress voted no accountablility on all the trillions i woulds say that is exactly what is going on in this situation.
blah blah blah
what is wrong with you people why do you want to destroy the greatest country in the wolrd why do you hate freedom your crazy@@TrumpCantRead
How about protecting America first. Is that too much to ask? We have taxation without representation!
Is America unprotected?
Well I never.
America is protected.
It's an illusion! Thanks to Democrats and open borders, we now have almost 400 terrorist cells in the United States, that are unaccounted for. We don't know where they are! I guess we'll find out soon enough!
Rhrh.
Please.
I'm confused.
If you don't know where they are.
How did you know they are there.
Unless you want boots on the ground in 3 years like neville
Love Victor David Hanson
So you approve of those supporting the destruction of the little democratic norms that the US still possesses.
Why would you think that's a positive move?
Victor always has a level headed take on the situation
😂
Yeah. He's talking about Israel having the right to ,,defend themselves,,. Has he actually SEEN any of the footage coming out of Gaza ?! The population are now being starved to death, as well as bombed into the next world ? 😢😈😈
It can appear that way but he compares what Israel is doing in Gaza to what Ukraine is doing in Russia with their drones. This is so obviously wrong that it suggests a sever bias from someone who otherwise appears intelligent.
@@cxBuckHe's suggesting Israel are acting in self defense. When in fact they are trying to obliterate Gaza. And members of the Israeli cabinet have stated as much. It's on paper.
In a defensive war against a regime that wants them gone with an active hot alliance surrounding them. No one was lobbing rockets into Russia ever.
What news of Peace Talks ... Amen 🙏
100 years ago, Ukraine did not even exist
Neither did Russia, but both were Republics within the USSR, and Territories within the Russian Empire and Ukraine was a Vassal State of Polish Lithuanian Confederacy before that, while Russia was a different country.
Fun fact, one flash we are all ash
Everything is based on lies, it will not end well
Victor David Hanson would be a great Dinner Guest!
This guy is a great example of what a practical thinking and honest Farmer can contribute.
Its all WEF - quantitative easing,inflation and a bonus bunch of anxiety because of war.
Brilliant Hanson
I have also heard that they get terrible treatment from the Ukrainians.
I absolutely MISS the times when what Hanson has to say wasn't called brilliance but simply viewed & understood as most obvious Common Sense.....
Once upon a time, sigh....
It's a little too late for that.
I think so. This could have been over in April 2022.
exactly ..Russia dont want peace now...to many deads
Unfortunately it's all fu.... up now.
"The great rule of conduct for us in regard to foreign nations is in extending our commercial relations, to have with them as little political connection as possible. So far as we have already formed engagements, let them be fulfilled with perfect good faith. Here let us stop. Our detached and distant situation invites and enables us to pursue a different course…"
Military allies makes military enemies.
Keep it to trade only.
I feel like this. Why should any Race be excluded if they are not the problem. I am only concerned with People who claim that my working seven days a week affects their lives and that a Government program is better for Me. That is Someone who is jealous and envious of Me. What is best for Me is saving as much money as I can to pay all my bills and not bother People. Simply. There is not any ifs, ands, or butts about my facts. The ones who are saying that I am bothering Guys. The Guys I talk to do not mind being bothered by Me and do not need to front in Social Media for People who are haters. Thanks for sharing.
Some really amazing insights - true words
nonsense - he's exactly like Jordan Peterson, talks for ever without saying anything
Never stop Victor. Your the best
This is his dumbest take ever.
Unfortunately he is lost on this one. Disappointing.
He's really not that smart. His hack views are based on outdated assumptions.
@@crowbar9566 he is a smart guy dude, just some of his new opinion is based on history no longer relevant, like Ukraine.
Interview Col Macgregor Ret
“Total war is fine, that’s how you win”
lost every war
Like Russia in Afghanistan in the 1980s, and Manchuria in 1904-05.
Arming is one thing, but propping up their economy is undoable!
It's the same thing. Either do both or don't bother with either. Modern wars can easily destroy fragile modern economies -- rail systems, ports, power grids, oil and gas for agriculture, etc., etc. not to mention long term effects of mobilizing massive numbers of workers to fight, having 1/3 of your country flattened, 1/4 of your population leave, etc., etc. If you expect Ukraine to fight, that will include keeping it's economy a float -- loans, humanitarian aid, giving it weapons you know it can't pay for, allowing them to divert spending to weapons/military, taking in large numbers of refugees, buying their grain, etc.
If you accept there is a valid reason to arm Ukraine (right thing to do, humanitarian, they are destroying Russia's conventional capacity, they are dissuading future Russian/Chinese attacks, to avoid millions of refugees, or whatever your reasons), you might as well support their economy to keep them in the fight, since the same logic still applies. If you don't... there is no point giving Ukraine a ton of weapons if it's economy is going to collapse, it can't pay for basics, people flee, etc.
Enough with Ukraine. Enough.
America First and Only
Interview Prof Jeffery Sachs
Fun fact - back in 2017-18ish the USAF was getting ready to mothball a bunch of F-16s. Orange Man, Bad floated the idea that they should go to Ukraine. Joint Chiefs threw a hissy fit about how impossible all that was. (like when they left gazillions worth of aircraft sitting in Afghanistan). Would have been an excellent deterent, but now they're sitting at Davis Monthan collecting dust.
Dozens of nations fly these aircraft. Parts and logistics net is in place, Ukrainian pilots could have transitioned like everyone else did. This whole thing was a huge set up so Raytheon et al can have another cold war $$$.
Fun fact, if the CIA doesn't overthrow the government none of this is necessary.
Yes exactly. Read Diana West's: American Betrayal. Still going on.
Better yet, let Russia and Ukraine work it out. Ukraine and Russia supposedly had a framework deal (treaty) ready to sign in Turkey in 2022, but the corrupt Western (capitalists/military/politicians) axed that deal.
@@aarond98 Air superiority fighters and unlikely it would have ever happened....but as you say, certain parties apparently had a vested "interest."
The world needs strong leadership on both sides of the fence. This keeps balance through out the world
When soviet Union was strong there was no war in Europe
Western Exceptionalism here
Senate just struck a $118 billion deal including another $60 billion in military "aid" to Ukraine.
In reality, the aid goes to US defense contractors and the offshore bank accounts of corrupt Ukrainian officials.
Can you think of a better use for $60 billion⁉️ And what is the share of Israel's war on Gaza out of the total $118 billion allocated to increase the ignition of wars that are not concerned with the American people⁉️
I have a friend in Donbas. They want to be part of Russia. He doesn't like Putin, but they are of Russian culture and the rest of Ukraine is not.
For a defensive or an offensive stance?
I don’t understand the hatred for Russia. If someone can explain to me.
It's been taught to them for years. And because its harder to accept an 'exceptional' nation making catastrophic mistakes they'd rather blame others.
Read a history book about Russian aggression in the 20th century.
@@browngreen933 well, I’m 70 so I’ve been quite aware and knowledgeable about the Soviet Union. But since the brake up and the Berlin Wall coming down, Russia has been quite different.
I’m an American, I’m quite aware about aggression around the globe. They don’t call us the great satan for nothing.
Habit.
Some "folks" still think it is 1945 ............ U.S. foreign policy is based on an "assumption" that they always wear a white hat. Truth be told, our ruling class has, for near 80 years, sold us down the pike and and has become the most murderous entity the world has ever seen. The failures are a 'tell" ...........
There should be jobs in the war machine industry.
Some western political analysts or think tanks are just foolish judging by their analyses
You found this speech a little confusing as well.
I don't understand why he just didn't say,
"Thank you Johnno,
Now vote Trump".
There we go.
Succint.
To the point.
A minimum of waffling.
Ukraine is lost whether you want to admit it or not.
Victor Hanson is his own man that is for sure, he might belong to the Hoover Institute but unlike most of them he will tell you exactly what he thinks. I have issues with some of his stances but I wouldn't fault him for groupthink. He is the last of a dying breed I suspect.
Thankful that Hanson isn't into group think?
Two problems there.
You don't reward a warmonger.
You don't reward a potential fascist dictator.
I think there are groups who get into both. What's so special about Hanson?
It seems to me that if there was unity between Russia and Ukraine they could both benefit from mutual commerce
Russia and Ukraine were very large trading partners. Russian oil and gas still flows through Ukraine into Western Europe. Ukraine makes billions from the pipeline usage and extortion of it. The West is dishonest in 99.999% of what is communicated.
I respect both of these guys, I listen to and read a lot of VDH. In an insane world, they're sane and alone. BUT I'm sick of this entire boomer generation, stuck in world police mode. From war hawk neocons to these guys. America used to be strictly isolationist. It's high time we go back to that.
As a “boomer” I agree….
Vote Libertarian
Just asking a question: why don't they get Russia to join NATO?
Putin asked Clinton to join NATO and Clinton said no!
@@scottdunlap5462correct from what I’ve heard
Corruption needs to be addressed first.
Because Russia has its own military industrial complex. Russia has better weapons than US or NATO. They would never go for US weapons that do not work. And one cannot be in NATO if one does not buy US weapons.
@@scottdunlap5462clinton said maybe but after talking to the Inner agency came back to say no to Putin.
Fear is not a good advicer...
Go forward!!!
The strong minded will winn... morally.
Henry K. said the same thing at 100.
Majority of historical accounts will support a specific outlook, from whichever point of the compass you view the terrain the geopolitical perspective changes.
A change of regime is considered essential for Iran, given its potential to ameliorate the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, cultivate peace, and enhance stability both regionally in the Middle East and on a global scale.
Regime change is what the U.S. has been engaged in for decades, in the name of democracy and human rights. Vietnam, Haiti, Iraq, Libya, Syria.. the list is endless. And they have failed miserably in all theatres, and instead brought untold misery and devastation to millions. You cannot keep doing the same thing over and over and expect different results.
A change of regime within Iran will originate from internal forces.
The sad tging is that international conflicts of interest are played out on civilians using deep seated animosity and very unlikely narratives
The entire thing in Ukraine is working against our own interest we need to bail immediately.
We want no more money to ukraine!
Who “we”?
I don’t think you know how it works, ukrane gets no money
You could never give if you wish. Ukraine will never surrender to russia regardless of your wish; they will fight until the last person killed. Pukin destroyed his prison for multiple nations in it now he destroying all that is better and makes him and his people jealous
The problem with letting go of human rights is that u forget the lessons of 1945 where all the people of the world suffered deeply just so a few political figures could control some masses. The rule is to have peace and order, and any use of power should be greatly monitored and limited. To remind u of what happened to texas last month, it is in the interest of the developped countries to have these rules followed so that in the advent of any internal problems, they may regain stability at minimum cost
You are speaking nonsense
The western power never care other countries Human right
They created a lot of colony for their own benefit
Before Second World War
From China and Russia is not close just like India and China are not close
Hanson is usually rational... he is absolutely delusional on this one. Just follow Macgregor, Sachs, and Ritter for a reality check.
He is not familiar with the subject
he’s not rational, he’s condoleezas whipping boy
I have been to the Donbas, both Luhansk and Donetsk, before the war. Most of the people want to be part of Russia. We should have encouraged that.
I blame the FCC for letting weird become normal
Yup.
Strange question. Is not NATO already arming Ukraine..What am I missing
Yes
So you want MORE people to DIE !?
We have no choice we must.
I wonder what those country's leaders think would happen to them if they quoted President Trump?
What quotes.
Which countries.
Who are they to have something happen to them.
What might want to be considered is that Europe is beginning to sell war bonds funded by the ECB and paid for by European citizens for the soul purpose developing a European military. Hence, separating itself from the US and NATO. This need be considered as it is being implemented.
Europe should break their alliance with the USA, but they won't. The USA is creating a new Soviet Union which includes: USA. UK, Canada, Western Europe, Japan, Australia, South Korea, Mexico, and Argentina. All countries outside this USA Soviet Union will be labelled "Terrorist Nations"
Surrender and negotiate. More war is insane.
Yes,, Humankind feels safer,, Peaceful will come next
Interview Lt Col Daniel Davis
America shouldn’t be let loose with so much as a pea shooter or spud gun!
War is a machine.
Victor Davis Hanson is awesome! I prefer him over another brainy fellow that I almost like, Peter Ziehan, as Peter tends to be swayed by the Democrats he gets hired by for consulting, biased Lefty. ... Victor is essential listening/reading in this day and age. Thank God for him.
Not me! I felt that he was very unpredictable and dangerous! In fact Donald is nuts!
VDH: good on domestic but terrible on foreign policy!
Nat, U are so correct! VDH is in someones pocket on foreign policy. I have lost much respect for him.
Wrong.
He has gone squishy. In regards to Russia’s land grab in Ukraine he seems to have forgotten everything he learned about Russia growing up during the Cold War.
That's crazy
The effectiveness of the "peace through strength" strategy depends on responsible leadership, diplomacy, and clear communication of intentions. All characteristics of President Donald Trump.
What about India at China's border ready to go on China right now
Отвечу я😅. Китай не заинтересован в раздувании конфликта с Индией. Индию подталкивают британцы, которые очень влияют на внутреннюю политику Индии. Китай проталкивает общее экономическое транспортное пространство в Евразии и Африке. Британцы Американцы и их прокси Израиль, Франция и ЕС сопротивляются.
The Ukraine war against Russia is ridiculous.
No NATO
No Russias border
They voted to go with Russia
unfortunately, VDH is out of dis depth on Ukraine
Warmonget
"most of my adult life, its been war, war, war.....!"
And the USA started them all.
Russia is not stealing the area in the east of Ukraine, these Russian people living there voted to join Russia their ancient homeland. Democratic that isn't it ? Should we not have respected the will of those people ? And they had been terrorized by the Nazis in Ukraine over many years at that point.
Arming Ukraine. But with what. 40 scalp missiles. 100 antiaircraft missiles . Some ATACMS stormshadow. No 155 shells F16s. Minimum 2 Million shells 800 F16s. Artillery. Who will support. Minimum 500 billions
John,the Australian political establishment that pays your parliamentary pension wouldn't give Ukraine helicopters that the Ukraine said they vould use,no arguments. The Australian army buried them to cover their arses.
Swine do not cast pearls of wisdom into sow's silk purses.
Arming Ukraine is a useless endeavour. The Ukrainians are losing. To continue to pour good money after bad simply makes no sense? When it comes down to it, supporting Ukraine is not in the United States national interest. Whereas, the ongoing crisis on the US southern border is? Besides, the US simply no longer possesses economic and military power to be the World's policeman.
Good old Hanson.
You 2 know each other well?
Kickbacks
Totally disagree.
What people don't seem to understand is Russia will not stop with Ukraine. They want the old borders back.
They borrow military. Where is the problem? They don't respect frontline for all costs of just everyone...
Where can I find your long form interviews? Not a fan of the 5-8 min clips
Donbas is not Gaza. The demographics and population size and concentration is completely different.
I did not know that, and what a mistake that was!
It is time to focus on Taiwain instead of Ukraine.
HANSON VPOTUS 2024.
No,no no!!!
It's time that Russia is treated with the same respect as our President. As hard as we tried to keep them from growing, it happened anyway, and we need a multipolar world. Too much propaganda trying to remain on top. It's driving the regular American citizen bat sh*t bonkers.
Always finding excuses for inaction while the enemies are preparing and winning. Nice!
Who lost 600,000 dead, injured and missing? A Polish general has recently come out and stated that the Ukrainians have suffered over 1,000,000 casualties. He could have inside information on this. As for Russian loses? They are considerably lower. Around 200,000 maybe. Professor Hanson always gets this wrong on purpose although I can find no good reason as to why.
I always had a lot of respect for Victor Davis Hanson. However ,listening to his comments here I realise that he's as insane as most in the US & NATO countries. God help us!
Yes.
The thinking of American superiority over the whole world leads to the fact that an honest farmer with his own thinking becomes a warmonger. The professor was overheated from work, and therefore for some reason forgot about historical examples. It would be better to read more carefully the history of the wars between Carthage and Rome: it describes how Hannibal contributed, without realizing it, to the ruin of Carthage and its fall.
They totally want to be a part of Russia are you kidding me Hanson!
Eastern part of Ukr are Russian speaking people, they are Russians. They were bombed since 2014 by Ukr and treated as second class citizens. They were part of greater Russia before the USSR folded. Nato moving into Ukr was a red line that Russia was not prepared to accept, their security threatened by Nato on its doorstep. The Collective West has been preparing Ukr a Proxi for a war with Russia. Imposing sanctions expecting to distabalise the Russians bringing a regime change in Moscow. How did that work out for the tools? Taking on Russia without understanding what Russia was. The Collective West has bitten off more than they could chew! They have destroyed themselves and Europe will suffer.
Why do so many thing GOVERNMENT has to do these things? As James Madison tells us "Charity is no part of the legislative duty of government." If people want to support Ukraine, or Gaza, or Israel, or Timbucktwo, they can send all the money they want to. What is with this obsessive idea that government should do all things?
That's quite a few contradictions in his answer