Stephen Kotkin: Russia’s Murky Future | Foreign Affairs Interview

When Russia botched its invasion of Ukraine and the West quickly came together in support of Kyiv, Russian President Vladimir Putin’s grip on power appeared shakier than ever. Last summer, an attempted coup even seemed to threaten his rule. But today, Putin looks confident. With battlefield progress in Ukraine and political turmoil ahead of the U.S. election in November, there’s reason to think things are turning in his favor.

The historian Stephen Kotkin joins us to discuss what this means for Russia’s future—and how the United States can be ready for whatever that future holds. Kotkin is the Kleinheinz Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institution at Stanford University. He is the author of the forthcoming book Stalin: Totalitarian Superpower, 1941–1990s, the last in his three-volume biography of the Soviet leader.

Sources:

“The Five Futures of Russia” by Stephen Kotkin

“The Talks That Could Have Ended the War in Ukraine” by Samuel Charap and Sergey Radchenko

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[imaginaryenterprises]

It's always great to hear Joe Pesci speak geopolitics!

[chocaliciouz]

I really want to see a debate between Kotkin and Mearsheimer

[shingnosis]

I'm a simple man. I see Kotkin video I click play.

[jaymacpherson]

I admire Professor Kotkin’s thinking and analyses. The winning the peace concept is wise. However, the road to winning the peace is sometimes cloaked in shadow.

For instance…Arguing a mistake by Ukraine was made in not pursuing an armistice with Russia assumes Russia is trustworthy. Further, an armistice abandons the Ukrainians on the other side of the front line. Russia has been effective at agreeing without acting upon the agreements. I, for one, have no faith Russia would honor the terms of any agreement.

[American-In-Mykolaiv]

Kotkin is my favorite historian - he understand Russia and knows what the future holds for Russia, if they continue their"stand alone" policy. Putin is done, it is only a question of time.

[serge-szawlow]

Kotkin talks about how Ukraine rejected peace treaties with Russia. And he never mentioned that Russia always, always breaks any treaty as soon as it sutis Moscow. The recent examples- Chechnya. Beofre that - FInland. Does Kotkin know about this? Of course! Why he ignores this, and pushes this idea about "treaties" with Russia? That's a good question.

[peterwhite]

Stephen Kotkin is a man I would love to meet one day. He is brilliant and humble. I agree with him on everything he says, having spent a lot of time in Russia and Ukraine.

[HaukeLaging]

What would the Ukraine Youtube world be without Stephen Kotkin... 👏

[listener]

Whilst I appreciate and approve of Kotkin calling for clarity in our foreign policy? We haven't seen clearly stated mission objectives nor exit strategy since the Swartzkopf debriefing in Iraq 1.

[TheParadoxDestroyer]

Mr. Kotkin may well be the most insightful person alive on foreign relations. Brilliant podcast. Kudos!

[almiroff]

It is mentally refreshing to listen to a cogent explaination of a complex issue(s). Thanks.

[jeffreysilverman]

Outstanding interview with Professor Stephen Kotkin!! He is brilliant, incisive, perceptive and entertaining and this mix of ingredients is rare.

[NyPer]

Always enjoy listening to Prof Kotkin.

[john]

What do we have to do to get a Kotkin-Mearsheimer discussion??

[diilouise]

I like Prof Kotkin's take on foreign policy and explaining it. Good questions, too. Thanks from 🇦🇺

[warmaps]

Yes! Stephen Kotkin, time to make food and watch

[longhaulblue]

Excellent. I really enjoyed Prof. Kotkin's insights.

[Jason-keoi]

Thank you Mrs Kotkin. Thanks to FA`s staff members.

[tamil.f.]

Wow! Someone talking sense about Russia and China. What a fresh and intelligent thinking! I salute you Stephen Kotkin!

[harrybaulz]

Steve assumes russia would honor a armistice agreement. Ukraine and the baltics and Poland know better