Episode 29: Russia's War in Ukraine

This week we discuss contemporary strategic challenges by looking at the Ukrainian War. Jon O'Gorman brings together David Stone, a Russian historian, Timothy Hoyt, a political scientist; and a member of the National Security Affairs Department and senior State department representative to the U.S. Naval War College: Walter Braunohler. Walter was in the U.S. embassy in Kviv during the lead up to the crisis before being evacuated. We begin by discussing Russia's aims and motivations for the conflict then quickly moving to Vadimir Putin's chosen strategy of trying for a quick decisive victory. Next, we discuss why Russian military performance has been lacking vs. the Ukrainians. We discuss the differences between the Russian action in 2014 vs. 2022 and why the international response has been different as well. Lastly, we discuss the problems with war termination for this conflict and if escalation could lead to nuclear use.