I agree with Vlad, it makes sense to view this Russo-Ukrainian war as a colonial relationship and, in my view, a fight for freedom from the colonial oppressor.
Guys in political science are often involved in autoerotism. It doesn't matter how you interpret the meaning of the war. The only thing that matters is the kinetic aspect of it, ie..people are dying. Whether it was for colonialism, Putin woke up on the wrong side of the bed or something else, it doesn't matter. And these morons, the russian population will suffer for the next 20 years. They are responsible for this as much as Putin.
I think it's a bit different than that. Russians seem to be convinced they have subjugated Ukrainians to the point that they are their own, only less civilised. Like rural cousins, to whom Russians brought civilisation and 'helped them' build cities, industry etc. That's why Russians feel so much hatred towards Ukraine - they treat them as 'traitors'. It's not just a conquered nation, it's a nation that is supposed to be 'grateful' for centuries of subjugation and exploitation.
@@YsCosmia absolutely. British colonialist views fed Brexit, for example. Britain is learning that without an Empire it weakened the country (an Empire gives you captive markets you can force to take your goods and you can force them to have customs terms that favour the coloniser over other countries). Russia hates that Ukraine wants to make deals in Ukraine's interest rather than ones that are in Russia's interest.
Thank for the channel. Vlad is pure gold and we are very lucky to have him. He brings readings and ideas that most of us haven't seen. He also offers frames of language to help us find our own focusses and perspectives. Great questions and excellent commentary by the host also. Kisses all round. In the end we all need a functional, sane, and beautiful Russia. Together we must demolish the errors of the past and find the secrets of a viable future.
Vexler is a good analyst but he's very wrong here about putin's international crimes being trumped by his callous attitude towards the russian people. Russians being sent to die by the animal they have put in charge is completely irrelevant when set beside the crimes Russia is and has committed towards neighbouring/foreign populations. Russians are responsible for whatever happens too them for allowing putin and his gang to maintain power. Ukrainians are completely innocent. And actually "in the end" we need Russia as a failed state, which has no ability to mount full scale attacks on it's neighbours. In a similar vein to the defanging of Iraq and Libya.
@@toi_techno if you watch the video on Vlad's channel he does say the Russian people are responsible. However reconciliation requires forgiveness. USA failed in integrating the Taliban (they had the chance). USA pushed Britain to accept IRA senior people into government (and it worked). Ultimately ideology softens when you have to work together and hardens when you can only fight.
@@Kotch111 And forgiveness, importantly requires CESSATION of aggression, cessation of violence, cessation of psychosocial attack- by the latter of course, I mean induction of information chaos (mixed use of real facts with specious interpretations and falsehoods). As we know, armistice retains former combatants in opposition, merely without active, attributable violence. Armistice does NOT include active forgiveness. Empathy has been for centuries now defined as "putting oneself in another's conceptual and emotional position." Empathy is certainly the sine qua non of forgiveness. Therapies and forgiveness are based upon effortful empathy. To claim that the "USA" failed in integrating Taliban, denies agency in individuals, and is an extreme cognitive error. Diplomats engage in international non-war, nonviolent discourse. When a diplomat expresses enmity, it is the individual who faile. Individuals engage in propaganda , whether as agents of media corporate policies, which originate in individuals. Rupert Murdoch engaged in creating a disinformation network of false news, perhaps due to the profit increase he discovered from fostering enraged dispute in his Australian businesses. He was granted some H1_B visa or other visa by the US Reagan administration because he invested /bought US media, and/or due to hiring some qualifying number (was it 10,000.? I have never needed an immigration visa, being a citizen, so have not checked the requirements). Interestingly, his ethos was regarded as useful against Soviet Union by USA and its republican party of the time. That party nearly completely turned its policies around by 2016 when it backed Russian Puppet ("useful idiot") Trump, who to this day is anti-ukraine due to his long-term entanglement as Russian Money "launderer." So, does forgiveness ENTAIL restorative justice? I had elder relatives who to their deaths THIS century never forgave Japan, and therefore its industries and sales in the USA by Japanese who were NOT yet born during hostilities. The clamor for "reparations" for "ancestors" over 160 years ago, is evidence of failure of people to forgive, From this we can conclude that "justice" as perceived by individuals having NO living connection to others, is REFUSAL to forgive. THe entire "white/colored thing is refusal to forgive for nonexistent crimes and wrongs. Police beating a man to death, is neither justice nor forgiveness. This raises the question, can forgiveness exist for those who suffered another's wrongdoing, when continuing intent to persist in wrongdoing occurs in those one is asked (for utilitarian or other reasons) to forgive when such a violation is held as acceptable not merely yesterday, but also tomorrow?.
Many channels like Vlad are nice and educational but still gaming you if you don’t discern his information, these channels that sprung out of the blue are described as limited hangout/controlled opposition outfits/“best way to control the opposition is to lead it ourselves” - Lenin For example he didn’t point out that the climate scam is a Russian hybrid war on the West why Greta never goes after China or Russia. He never told you about Anatoliy Golitsyn or how Soviet special services are behind BLM and 🏳️🌈. I can give details if someone cares
There are interesting differences between the parts of Germany, that lived under the thumb of the Soviets and those who didn't. Especially regarding the attitude towards the institutions of the state. Recently I learned that the word "solidarity" (thin relationship) has a negative meaning for the people there (even today), as solidarity was what the state asked them to show, every time the state could not provide the things they needed (empty shelves).
Where did you got that information? I actually doubt that is true the way you describe it. Maybe in regard to request of "solidarity" from the government. They probably to some extend assume that the call of "solidarity" really means exploitation. Which is true for the first call of "solidarity" (ein Volk, ein Reich, ein Führer), to some extend for the second call of "solidarity" (in the GDR) and they probably assume the same for the calls of "solidarity" now. But I think even that it a stretch. It´s more about general distrust of the government. Interpersonal solidarity was quite important in the GDR. It makes no sense that it has a general negative meaning.
@@Julia-Richter Yes, thank you both. I thought about it again and I think I can expand my argument from "solidarity" demanded from the government to solidarity in regards to the whole political sphere. Which is overwhelming majority of cases when the word "solidarity" is used. You dont say "I gave my neighbor my lawn mower out of solidarity", thats true. But I still have trouble with the statement that the word "solidarity" in general has a negative meaning. In an unpolitical sense, I think its fine. Example: If a football club has financial problems and another football club helps with a charity match, its regulary called solidarity and has no negative connotation. Full discloser: I was born in the GDR (too you to really grow up there). You both gave some insights I will think about. Very interesting. Thanks! I still dont fully agree with the generalisation of the statement, but I cant dispute your experience.
I am a fan. I have listened to Vexler since the war started. He is part of my self imposed reading and watching. I feel like I am in a graduate seminar
Thank you so much for brining Vlad over again. I'm struggling to recall whether it was your channel that helped me discover Vlad, or the other way round, but whatever it is, it was a great day when I did. Here's wishing this channel reaches 100K subs not before long.
This channel has so many important voices contributing their expertise; I am currently trying to catch up on the episodes. Hearing from some contributors again shows how time has affected facts on the ground without altering the necessity of continuing support for Ukraine. 🇺🇦
Whenever I watch Vlad I feel like I’m in a back room in a Moscow saloon discussing politics with a Russian philosopher… the only thing missing is the beer and a chess board. Putin is a tsar and Rasputin in one body.
Love that Vexler is back for a third time. His podcast with Rehi is also great. Hope to see him in future videos on this and other channels in the future.
I have learnt so much from Vlad and he is excellent in the way he comes across explaining certain topics and agendas. I little glimmer of light during these dark moments in war.
Putting the finger exactly on the spot! Thanks for bringing Vlad back for the 3rd time. He puts every aspect in perfect perspective. Good luck with the channel.
Very good conversation. Small correction: Being Austrian, I have to insist, that Karl Popper was an Austrian, who - at some point in time - also had the British citizenship ;-)
A democracy nurtures the idea of everybody pulling together. In a dictatorship, all people truly have is family and friends, so it's unsurprising that there is a problem with 'thin relationships'.
Democracy is not a new idea, in almost all cases democracies have imploded into two or more faction that hate each other. Look at the USA, do you see the Democrats & Republicans working together for the common good?
Democracy has a problem with clans and large groups of people. Things to keep in mind is that democracy is basically a bloodless form of War. If you forget that it will return to the blooddy form of War.
I`m from Slovakia, born in Czechoclovakia in 1989, so I haven`t experience communism/tottalitarianism firsthand, but my parents had a lot so say about it. One thing being that making everything "communal" had the exact opposite effect. Before , when you had your house, your garden, your stuff, you would take care of it as a matter of pride. But when it`s no longer yours, why should you care? Like why should I sweep the sidewalk in front of my house if it`s not mine. When you extend this to people, why should I care other other people when they`re not "mine". Also communism fostered deep mistrust in people, because you couldn`t trust your next door neighbour to not call the secret police on you. And when the state didn`t have any proof against you, they would just make life difficult for you in subtle ways, like sabotaging your work. This kind of mindset is still there even 33 years after the fall of the regime. And Czechoslovakia was on the Western most side of the Eastern block. I can`t imagine how bad it`s all the way in Russia.
@@LddStyx Bingo. Civilisation thrives when men plant trees they will never feel the shade of. When those men die out and their grand children inherit the democracy, it collapses into competing groups each trying to grab as much unearned wealth and privilege for themselves. You owe me reparations, because reasons...
I listen to Vlad regularly. He makes me more patient in my thought process... This was a very good interview... the obvious mutual respect and the comfortable pace brought about a very coherent dialogue without unwarranted conclusions... Thank you. Thank you both...jt
Whenever anyone claims that there are cultures that are essentially democratic or anti-democratic I point to Korea. Both regimes are clearly Korean, different from other cultures, but one is a thriving democracy and one is North Korea, practically our definition of totalitarian regime.
I'm reminded of the English expression "kith and kin", which neatly sums up the limits of empathy in the old tribal level of human organisation: people you know (kith) and people you're related to (kin). Everyone else is a potential enemy or prey. When social cohesion collapses that seems to be what we fall back on.
Really enjoying listening to this conversation, I've been considering a lot of the same questions but have not got enough experience of Russian culture on a personal level to be able to make any sensible thoughts possible. Which is very frustrating, but this is seriously informative stuff. Subscribed.
Brilliant, intelligent and Vlad I'm in awe of your wonderful command and use of English as it's not your native tongue. Russians have this concept of the rhodina, yet they seem so dissatisfied and grouchy. Do you think the geographic positioning and environmental have any bearing on this? I.e the cold, distance, positioning of ports or being on the fringe of Europe but really belonging. Thanks for your efforts. Slava Ukraine 🇺🇦
Excellent reflections and analyses by Vlad. facilitated by Jonathan Fink! This is first class political thought by any standard, I'd say. Great thanks Silicon Curtain.
Excellent episode. I was especially pleased to hear the discussion regarding the planning and vision for Russia's future. Aside from some of the general predictions around a possible breakup of the Russian Fed., I have seen next to nothing on any kind of plan or thought to how Russia might reform itself politically, should the opportunity arise. As you mentioned, there are plenty of historical examples of that kind of forethought taking place in anticipation of democratic change that helped direct the subsequent opportunities (e.g., 1980's Poland, Maidan, etc.). But I haven't heard any mention until this episode of any possible analog taking place amongst Russian opposition leaders. This seems like something that would be absolutely critical given the likely tenuousness of any democratic opportunity that might present itself. And I'm very pleased to hear that Vlad is not only thinking about this, but encouraging in his approach towards the feedback that he gives to these opposition leaders.
They (the opposition) seem more intent on defining what they are against, than presenting a coherent vision for the ‘evolutionary’ development of the Russian state. It seems a little childish. Also, I’ve not heard any of them express a coherent plan about how they would deal with the FSB / Siloviki. Whereas many of my Ukrainian guests explain how the dealt with, or are dealing with the legacy of soviet thinking and nepotism in their country. Russians perhaps don’t yet want to learn the ‘deep’ and complex lessons from evolving Ukrainian statehood…
Great to have Vlad on your channel again. Throughly enjoyed his take on the war and Russian society. Re thoughts on Russian polling. Among other issues, when watching the "man/woman on the street" Russian interviews on the web, it is obvious to see the extreme reluctance of the Russians to answer any sort of political questions. I don't think you can glean any coherent conclusions from Russian polling, especially in view of the current state of affairs. It's interesting to try to do so but very misleading, I expect.
peculiar word to use i dont like it its meaning is ....disgusting... thare is only one word to use for that stop it why is that americans use peculiar sayings that are horseshit
26:36 by looking at an extraordinarily failed political situation like the one in Russia. From my observations you could say the same about the UK right now.... Now the UK is not a dictator state but the way the people in power lie continuously and the apparent complete indifference they seem to have towards those without power and money, not unlike Putin, has been frightening...
If I had not subscribed to Vlad Vexler’s video blog, I would not have seen how H.G Well’s film ‘The Shape Of Things To Come’ is a better interpretation than George Orwell’s ‘1984.’
If you’re getting into this, you may have read 1984 and ‘Brave New World’, but have you tried ‘We’ by Yevgeny Zamyatin? Visionary book and written -15-20 years before the other two!
Brilliant discussion. I'm not optimistic, sadly. Interesting to hear views of Navalny's vision, or lack of. The hard questions are always difficult to answer
Will they still somehow avoid taking sons from upper middle class in the big cities? We see them interviewing these young people and they say that they aren’t following the war in Ukraine. The smart ones ran for the border but the rest must feel safe.
Fascinating observation: morality ends when you run out of people who you know in your personal life. It reminds me of small town homesteader style thinking in the US (that Little House on the Prairie romanticism).
So, it boils down to the fact that it will be a constant lottery as to which leaders will come to power in all the countries of the world. As long as there is no kind of filter in the form of personality tests(big 5) and employment contracts when shouldering the enormous responsibility that awaits a leader of a country.
I have searched for your show as a podcast and can not find it. You should release your audio as a podcast. I think it would really help to grow your viewers. With the quality of your content, I really think you should have more subscribers. I only have a little bit of time per day that i can watch youtube video. If this was released as an audio only podcast I would listen to all instead of just 20 percent. The way my life is, I can listen to ten times as much podcasts as i can watch youtube videos.
Concerning the "selective" solidarity at around 20 minutes. If believe some psychologists now have a theory that people have one of two kind of empathy. Some have "universal" empathy while others have empathy only toward those that they can somehow relate to (nationality, friends, family, political belief, race, etc. ).
Thank you both for this remarkable conversation. I always (now the 3rd time) love hearing you two together, conversing. This discussion makes me think of my on stance on democracy. I know a lot of people here in the USA that are independent. It’s something that I don’t quite understand. When I ask them why they are independents, they tell me they vote for people and don’t care what side they are on (Democrats or Republicans). I find this faith in people, rather than system a bit shortsighted and problematic, especially because the independents are a big group and often sway elections one way or another. For me, it’s the Democracy itself that’s important, it’s something that I deeply value, regardless if the politicians within that system are bad or good, competent/incompetent. I honestly don’t put that much faith in people, but if democracy is taken over by some kind of an authoritarianism, the democratic politicians head’s would be first to come off. So it’s basically an interest to their own survival to operate within that Democratic system. I sometimes think if the Independents trust people more than I do and are willing to vote for the one who is best at lying? Because they all lie to some degree or another to get elected, but I think democrats have a less room for deception. That is why I value democracy in itself. I may be wrong, but of course I feel I’m right, at least a little bit.
I have asked people every now and then, in response to their cynicism towards politicians, where do they think the good pure people would come from to replace the bad politicians. Where is that pure pool of people that is untouched by overall culture? All social systems mold the people inside. And on the other hand, all people project their own characteristics on other people. So, to what degree are you seeing actually yourself in those bad politicians?
@@BubblegumCreepydoll I'm pointing at people to look at themselves and to notice that they would not be any better as politicians precisely because there is no pure people that would make better politicians.
I heard from some Russians that US has a lot of people meaning also that Russia is kind of small in comparison. And Putin knows that he had a huge decline in birthrate during the 90s and have problems with the amount of people in his nation. USSR also of course lost a lot of people in the break up of big nations like Ukraine and Kazakstan. At that time USSr before the breakup to Russia was bigger in population size than US. Ukraine for exemple is between 20 to 30 percent of Russias population. So I think in that sense Putin was acting on a wish to have more people in his nation. His prime motive of course is his fear of democracy movements even though he believes them to be controlled by US and loosing his own power. Al
@@anzelmasmatutis2500 No of course not. But USSR was also controlled by Kreml and Putin is a product of USSR. So he compare Russia with USSR (not regarding communism but in might and as a superpower and people is one of those factor of being an empire). He has done those comparison many times. Why would otherwise Gorbatjov a leader that did many positive things for the russians be seen as such a bad leader in present time Russia. It is only because he is seen as a leader that weakened the empire.
@@hurmur9528 Which just shows the short sightedness of the Russian populace concerning their political system. Gorby gave them freedom from a collapsing state (it was going to collapse before he was in power anyway), and they spat in his face.
@@nonegone7170 Yes it is a sad state of affair. All this shit could have bin avoided many times. But I guess in a way he becomes his own demise because even though he was a good leader he was not a democratic leader but a democratic autocrat. And I guess this dual role could lead to not many liking you. A new autocrat probably always was a risk since the apparatus for such a leader still was in place. KGB was relative intact during all this years for example. And it happened gradually in a way that seems to be designed to take back the old style autocrat leader. Especially with the media and the social contract that the population of Russia was willing to take. A contract that will get worse for them all the time.
Authoritarians need people to have the mindset of obedient "subjects" instead of "citizens". "Subjects" accept that their rights are dispensed by the authority of unrestrained rulers, they accept this because of fear of harsh consequences imposed by the rulers. "Citizens" understand that rights are god-given and the ruler's authority to restrict rights needs to be restrained with consequences imposed by the people on the rulers.
You need to understand it they also accept it because it makes them feel comfortable. About one in four people need a strong leader or they feel constant anxiety. I suspect that one in four number is higher in Russia because of centuries of filtering. But to them, democracy and total freedom feels like chaos and it's a very threatening and frightening.
Its not the full might of western armour. most of what Ukraine has been given is a good 30 years old. At the start of the war the Russian military was thought to be the second most powerful in the world, now it is the second most powerful in Ukraine.
The Abrams is 40 years old. Most western MBTs are at least 2 decade old. The design date of a system mean very little (if anything that’s a good thing, it means they have proven themselves against a constant barrage of attempted « innovation »)
I can understand how a relatively young democracy can lapse into a seemly secure authoritarian status quo. Mounting corruption without competition will lead to mounting insecurities along with a diminished ability to solve social problems which then induces general instability. The eventual call for reformation, a return to a more refined democratic process is inclusive of individual participation by the populace.
I agree with Vlad, it makes sense to view this Russo-Ukrainian war as a colonial relationship and, in my view, a fight for freedom from the colonial oppressor.
It's imperative that Russia does not prevail. All of Europe will have a huge problem if we let Ukraine down.
@@carolwilliams8511 100% behind you on this one.
Guys in political science are often involved in autoerotism.
It doesn't matter how you interpret the meaning of the war.
The only thing that matters is the kinetic aspect of it, ie..people are dying.
Whether it was for colonialism, Putin woke up on the wrong side of the bed or something else, it doesn't matter.
And these morons, the russian population will suffer for the next 20 years.
They are responsible for this as much as Putin.
I think it's a bit different than that. Russians seem to be convinced they have subjugated Ukrainians to the point that they are their own, only less civilised. Like rural cousins, to whom Russians brought civilisation and 'helped them' build cities, industry etc. That's why Russians feel so much hatred towards Ukraine - they treat them as 'traitors'. It's not just a conquered nation, it's a nation that is supposed to be 'grateful' for centuries of subjugation and exploitation.
@@YsCosmia absolutely. British colonialist views fed Brexit, for example. Britain is learning that without an Empire it weakened the country (an Empire gives you captive markets you can force to take your goods and you can force them to have customs terms that favour the coloniser over other countries). Russia hates that Ukraine wants to make deals in Ukraine's interest rather than ones that are in Russia's interest.
Thank for the channel. Vlad is pure gold and we are very lucky to have him. He brings readings and ideas that most of us haven't seen. He also offers frames of language to help us find our own focusses and perspectives. Great questions and excellent commentary by the host also. Kisses all round. In the end we all need a functional, sane, and beautiful Russia. Together we must demolish the errors of the past and find the secrets of a viable future.
Vexler is a good analyst but he's very wrong here about putin's international crimes being trumped by his callous attitude towards the russian people.
Russians being sent to die by the animal they have put in charge is completely irrelevant when set beside the crimes Russia is and has committed towards neighbouring/foreign populations. Russians are responsible for whatever happens too them for allowing putin and his gang to maintain power.
Ukrainians are completely innocent.
And actually "in the end" we need Russia as a failed state, which has no ability to mount full scale attacks on it's neighbours. In a similar vein to the defanging of Iraq and Libya.
@@toi_techno if you watch the video on Vlad's channel he does say the Russian people are responsible. However reconciliation requires forgiveness. USA failed in integrating the Taliban (they had the chance). USA pushed Britain to accept IRA senior people into government (and it worked). Ultimately ideology softens when you have to work together and hardens when you can only fight.
Agreed -- although it's almost unbearable at less than a 1.25 times speed-up.
@@Kotch111 And forgiveness, importantly requires CESSATION of aggression, cessation of violence, cessation of psychosocial attack- by the latter of course, I mean induction of information chaos (mixed use of real facts with specious interpretations and falsehoods).
As we know, armistice retains former combatants in opposition, merely without active, attributable violence. Armistice does NOT include active forgiveness.
Empathy has been for centuries now defined as "putting oneself in another's conceptual and emotional position."
Empathy is certainly the sine qua non of forgiveness. Therapies and forgiveness are based upon effortful empathy.
To claim that the "USA" failed in integrating Taliban, denies agency in individuals, and is an extreme cognitive error.
Diplomats engage in international non-war, nonviolent discourse. When a diplomat expresses enmity, it is the individual who faile.
Individuals engage in propaganda , whether as agents of media corporate policies, which originate in individuals.
Rupert Murdoch engaged in creating a disinformation network of false news, perhaps due to the profit increase he discovered from fostering enraged dispute in his Australian businesses. He was granted some H1_B visa or other visa by the US Reagan administration because he invested /bought US media, and/or due to hiring some qualifying number (was it 10,000.? I have never needed an immigration visa, being a citizen, so have not checked the requirements).
Interestingly, his ethos was regarded as useful against Soviet Union by USA and its republican party of the time. That party nearly completely turned its policies around by 2016 when it backed Russian Puppet ("useful idiot") Trump, who to this day is anti-ukraine due to his long-term entanglement as Russian Money "launderer."
So, does forgiveness ENTAIL restorative justice? I had elder relatives who to their deaths THIS century never forgave Japan, and therefore its industries and sales in the USA by Japanese who were NOT yet born during hostilities.
The clamor for "reparations" for "ancestors" over 160 years ago, is evidence of failure of people to forgive, From this we can conclude that "justice" as perceived by individuals having NO living connection to others, is REFUSAL to forgive. THe entire "white/colored thing is refusal to forgive for nonexistent crimes and wrongs.
Police beating a man to death, is neither justice nor forgiveness.
This raises the question, can forgiveness exist for those who suffered another's wrongdoing, when continuing intent to persist in wrongdoing occurs in those one is asked (for utilitarian or other reasons) to forgive when such a violation is held as acceptable not merely yesterday, but also tomorrow?.
Many channels like Vlad are nice and educational but still gaming you if you don’t discern his information, these channels that sprung out of the blue are described as limited hangout/controlled opposition outfits/“best way to control the opposition is to lead it ourselves” - Lenin For example he didn’t point out that the climate scam is a Russian hybrid war on the West why Greta never goes after China or Russia. He never told you about Anatoliy Golitsyn or how Soviet special services are behind BLM and 🏳️🌈. I can give details if someone cares
Vlad is my go to source for trying to understand what the f@£* is going on with Russia during these times. Great Video!
There are interesting differences between the parts of Germany, that lived under the thumb of the Soviets and those who didn't. Especially regarding the attitude towards the institutions of the state.
Recently I learned that the word "solidarity" (thin relationship) has a negative meaning for the people there (even today), as solidarity was what the state asked them to show, every time the state could not provide the things they needed (empty shelves).
And after over 30 years of RECEIVED Solidarität they still do not understand the real meaning of the word....🤬
@@p.h.3987 Yes, all of this is so strange. I can't wrap my head around it.
Where did you got that information? I actually doubt that is true the way you describe it. Maybe in regard to request of "solidarity" from the government. They probably to some extend assume that the call of "solidarity" really means exploitation. Which is true for the first call of "solidarity" (ein Volk, ein Reich, ein Führer), to some extend for the second call of "solidarity" (in the GDR) and they probably assume the same for the calls of "solidarity" now. But I think even that it a stretch. It´s more about general distrust of the government. Interpersonal solidarity was quite important in the GDR. It makes no sense that it has a general negative meaning.
@@ChristophSiegel I couldn't add anything to what Lola said. Does it make sense to you?
@@Julia-Richter Yes, thank you both. I thought about it again and I think I can expand my argument from "solidarity" demanded from the government to solidarity in regards to the whole political sphere. Which is overwhelming majority of cases when the word "solidarity" is used. You dont say "I gave my neighbor my lawn mower out of solidarity", thats true. But I still have trouble with the statement that the word "solidarity" in general has a negative meaning. In an unpolitical sense, I think its fine. Example: If a football club has financial problems and another football club helps with a charity match, its regulary called solidarity and has no negative connotation.
Full discloser: I was born in the GDR (too you to really grow up there). You both gave some insights I will think about. Very interesting. Thanks!
I still dont fully agree with the generalisation of the statement, but I cant dispute your experience.
Vlad is incredibly interesting. This interview is really worth listening to more than one time.
I am a fan. I have listened to Vexler since the war started. He is part of my self imposed reading and watching. I feel like I am in a graduate seminar
Thank you so much for brining Vlad over again. I'm struggling to recall whether it was your channel that helped me discover Vlad, or the other way round, but whatever it is, it was a great day when I did.
Here's wishing this channel reaches 100K subs not before long.
Thank! Hopefully that 100k will come quickly now!
This channel is very interesting and deserves many more subscribers.
Over an hour with Vlad is indeed a real treat.
Mr Vexler is a great guy. Thanks for having him on!
This channel has so many important voices contributing their expertise; I am currently trying to catch up on the episodes. Hearing from some contributors again shows how time has affected facts on the ground without altering the necessity of continuing support for Ukraine. 🇺🇦
Whenever I watch Vlad I feel like I’m in a back room in a Moscow saloon discussing politics with a Russian philosopher… the only thing missing is the beer and a chess board. Putin is a tsar and Rasputin in one body.
In the uk we call them "torys".
you mean vodka xd
@@DJWESG1 #lol
Rasputin had many flaws, but he was a pacifist, we can't say the same of Putin.
Yep totally
Just couldn't sleep until I finished this one. Awesome interview, despite the sad subject matter. Thank you
Glad you enjoyed it!
I didn't know i was waiting for this, but i was.
A late Christmas present 🎁
Love listening to Vlad, looks like the numbers subscribing are going up, good to see Slava Ukraine 🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦 heroyam Slava 🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦
I would like the characterisation of Dugin as Putin's colon on a t-shirt, please.
55:42, btw
I’ll contact NAFO - see if they can mock something up!
Hell yeah. Great idea!!
Another insightful conversation with Vlad, Jonathon! Thank you many times over for your channel.. Cheers 💖!
Always thankful for how you direct your interviews. Vlad is exceptional! Cheers!
Azerbaijani Shirvan Neftchi of the Caspian Report recently put it this way: Russia is experiencing post-empire phantom pains.
Love that Vexler is back for a third time. His podcast with Rehi is also great. Hope to see him in future videos on this and other channels in the future.
I have learnt so much from Vlad and he is excellent in the way he comes across explaining certain topics and agendas. I little glimmer of light during these dark moments in war.
This is a wonderful chat between 2 great communicators and 2 of my essential sources of information regarding the war and Russia. Thank you both !!
I love listening to Vlad! I wish I knew that much about one category!
What a treat, I’ve been waiting for this! 💙💛🇬🇧
Just discoverd your channel recently, already followed Vlad. Perfect podcast! Keep on going!
Excellent input from you both -thank you!
Vlads is my go to channel for an understanding of the Russian mind. He's also got a great speaking voice to fall asleep to.
Wow! Very pleased that this happened!
Thanks for the interview, always great to listen to Vlad. Thanks for the link I have ordered a mug - keep these great interviews coming !
Putting the finger exactly on the spot! Thanks for bringing Vlad back for the 3rd time. He puts every aspect in perfect perspective.
Good luck with the channel.
Thank you both for great , intresting conversation ❤ all the best from Finland
Comment for the algorithm
It was a pleasure to listen to you both. Thanks for challenging my thought processes:)
As always, thought-provoking, informative and engaging. Thanks!
Brilliant guest
Very good conversation. Small correction: Being Austrian, I have to insist, that Karl Popper was an Austrian, who - at some point in time - also had the British citizenship ;-)
That is more accurate, yes.
This channel is a solid 11/10 well done
A democracy nurtures the idea of everybody pulling together. In a dictatorship, all people truly have is family and friends, so it's unsurprising that there is a problem with 'thin relationships'.
Democracy is not a new idea, in almost all cases democracies have imploded into two or more faction that hate each other.
Look at the USA, do you see the Democrats & Republicans working together for the common good?
Democracy has a problem with clans and large groups of people.
Things to keep in mind is that democracy is basically a bloodless form of War. If you forget that it will return to the blooddy form of War.
I`m from Slovakia, born in Czechoclovakia in 1989, so I haven`t experience communism/tottalitarianism firsthand, but my parents had a lot so say about it. One thing being that making everything "communal" had the exact opposite effect. Before , when you had your house, your garden, your stuff, you would take care of it as a matter of pride. But when it`s no longer yours, why should you care? Like why should I sweep the sidewalk in front of my house if it`s not mine. When you extend this to people, why should I care other other people when they`re not "mine".
Also communism fostered deep mistrust in people, because you couldn`t trust your next door neighbour to not call the secret police on you. And when the state didn`t have any proof against you, they would just make life difficult for you in subtle ways, like sabotaging your work.
This kind of mindset is still there even 33 years after the fall of the regime. And Czechoslovakia was on the Western most side of the Eastern block. I can`t imagine how bad it`s all the way in Russia.
It's the other way around - people pulling together produces democracy and the destruction of social webs makes authoritarian regimes possible.
@@LddStyx Bingo. Civilisation thrives when men plant trees they will never feel the shade of.
When those men die out and their grand children inherit the democracy, it collapses into competing groups each trying to grab as much unearned wealth and privilege for themselves.
You owe me reparations, because reasons...
That was a seriously good vid, many thanks to you both for it. 🙂👍
How did I miss that you made this video?? I watch both of your channels.
There are 3 Vlad interviews I think, already!
I listen to Vlad regularly. He makes me more patient in my thought process... This was a very good interview... the obvious mutual respect and the comfortable pace brought about a very coherent dialogue without unwarranted conclusions... Thank you. Thank you both...jt
It’s always a tremendous pleasure speaking with Vlad!
10K!!!
so happy to see Vlad back
Thank you for a very interesting discussion, very much food for a thaught.
Wonderful interview! Thanks
I do enjoy seeing your conversations.
Whenever anyone claims that there are cultures that are essentially democratic or anti-democratic I point to Korea. Both regimes are clearly Korean, different from other cultures, but one is a thriving democracy and one is North Korea, practically our definition of totalitarian regime.
What a fantastic video! Thanks so much to both of you! Vlad Vexler really is a great thinker!
I'm reminded of the English expression "kith and kin", which neatly sums up the limits of empathy in the old tribal level of human organisation: people you know (kith) and people you're related to (kin). Everyone else is a potential enemy or prey. When social cohesion collapses that seems to be what we fall back on.
Vlad Vexler provides the most nuanced and humane analysis of the war in Ukraine. He always has interesting and thought-provoking things to say.
👍 totally agree!
Really enjoying listening to this conversation, I've been considering a lot of the same questions but have not got enough experience of Russian culture on a personal level to be able to make any sensible thoughts possible. Which is very frustrating, but this is seriously informative stuff. Subscribed.
Immediate like for the guest and the headline. 🙂
Same.
Brilliant, thank you
Another great one. Thank you for your work
New to this channel - Vlad is legend 👍
"Tyranny in search of an idea"......there it is.
Excellent.
Great interview and discussion. Thoughtful and thought provoking.
Brilliant, intelligent and Vlad I'm in awe of your wonderful command and use of English as it's not your native tongue.
Russians have this concept of the rhodina, yet they seem so dissatisfied and grouchy. Do you think the geographic positioning and environmental have any bearing on this?
I.e the cold, distance, positioning of ports or being on the fringe of Europe but really belonging. Thanks for your efforts.
Slava Ukraine 🇺🇦
Excellent reflections and analyses by Vlad. facilitated by Jonathan Fink! This is first class political thought by any standard, I'd say. Great thanks Silicon Curtain.
Excellent episode. I was especially pleased to hear the discussion regarding the planning and vision for Russia's future. Aside from some of the general predictions around a possible breakup of the Russian Fed., I have seen next to nothing on any kind of plan or thought to how Russia might reform itself politically, should the opportunity arise. As you mentioned, there are plenty of historical examples of that kind of forethought taking place in anticipation of democratic change that helped direct the subsequent opportunities (e.g., 1980's Poland, Maidan, etc.). But I haven't heard any mention until this episode of any possible analog taking place amongst Russian opposition leaders. This seems like something that would be absolutely critical given the likely tenuousness of any democratic opportunity that might present itself. And I'm very pleased to hear that Vlad is not only thinking about this, but encouraging in his approach towards the feedback that he gives to these opposition leaders.
They (the opposition) seem more intent on defining what they are against, than presenting a coherent vision for the ‘evolutionary’ development of the Russian state. It seems a little childish. Also, I’ve not heard any of them express a coherent plan about how they would deal with the FSB / Siloviki. Whereas many of my Ukrainian guests explain how the dealt with, or are dealing with the legacy of soviet thinking and nepotism in their country. Russians perhaps don’t yet want to learn the ‘deep’ and complex lessons from evolving Ukrainian statehood…
TWO of my favorite channels collab? Never expected, incredibly happy, THANKS
This is our third interview- check out the other two!
@@SiliconCurtain started the video and almost teared up when I saw there's two more!
Seems very grounded down to earth information and grouping of tasks.
Thanks guys , such food for thought and interesting insights and analysis.
It’s good that there is an intelligent and caring analysis of what’s going on, because we need to challenge it and change it
Great conversation. Thanks. Glad I subscribed.
Thank you for combining the insights of two quality content creators. 😎
Great to have Vlad on your channel again. Throughly enjoyed his take on the war and Russian society.
Re thoughts on Russian polling. Among other issues, when watching the "man/woman on the street" Russian interviews on the web, it is obvious to see the extreme reluctance of the Russians to answer any sort of political questions. I don't think you can glean any coherent conclusions from Russian polling, especially in view of the current state of affairs. It's interesting to try to do so but very misleading, I expect.
fascinating.
How did I miss Vlad on this channel. My two favourite English language channels coming together and I missed it *face-palm* 😜
There are three videos already!
Great conversation. Thanks
This is a sick channel man, really knows the heart beat of good analysis
peculiar word to use i dont like it its meaning is ....disgusting... thare is only one word to use for that stop it why is that americans use peculiar sayings that are horseshit
26:36 by looking at an extraordinarily failed political situation like the one in Russia. From my observations you could say the same about the UK right now.... Now the UK is not a dictator state but the way the people in power lie continuously and the apparent complete indifference they seem to have towards those without power and money, not unlike Putin, has been frightening...
So glad I found intelligent thought about Russia found here.
I highly recommend the History of Rashism channel. Things fell clearly into place and my understanding was enriched after just one episode.
LOL, I was watching yewtoob without my glasses, and I thought the title said "Tranny in Search of an Idea." That piqued my curiosity:)
Hey Mr. Vlad!
Hey!
Love it!
So glad!
If I had not subscribed to Vlad Vexler’s video blog, I would not have seen how H.G Well’s film ‘The Shape Of Things To Come’ is a better interpretation than George Orwell’s ‘1984.’
If you’re getting into this, you may have read 1984 and ‘Brave New World’, but have you tried ‘We’ by Yevgeny Zamyatin? Visionary book and written -15-20 years before the other two!
I found H.G. Wells film online! th-cam.com/video/knOd-BhRuCE/w-d-xo.html
Brilliant discussion. I'm not optimistic, sadly. Interesting to hear views of Navalny's vision, or lack of. The hard questions are always difficult to answer
Vlad is so well versed in Russian culture. Not that I'm a good judge of that necessarily but damn Vlad is great
Well he is Russian
YOU DONT SAY
Will they still somehow avoid taking sons from upper middle class in the big cities? We see them interviewing these young people and they say that they aren’t following the war in Ukraine. The smart ones ran for the border but the rest must feel safe.
As the saying goes:
Great minds think alike.
Fools rarely differ.
So which are we? 🫣
@@SiliconCurtain fishing for compliments. Are we?
My Ukrainian Mom said the most dangerous Russian is one who is crying.
Such an important point - part of ensuring this War never happens again is not just reinforcing Ukraine it’s shaping Russia !
Finally 10k. Now heading for 100k.
Thank you
Fascinating observation: morality ends when you run out of people who you know in your personal life. It reminds me of small town homesteader style thinking in the US (that Little House on the Prairie romanticism).
So, it boils down to the fact that it will be a constant lottery as to which leaders will come to power in all the countries of the world. As long as there is no kind of filter in the form of personality tests(big 5) and employment contracts when shouldering the enormous responsibility that awaits a leader of a country.
Thank you for mentioning the thought: "where does Russia go?". Let´s look where Russia "is" , "exists" in the world. Uganda, Ethopia, Mali ...
I have searched for your show as a podcast and can not find it. You should release your audio as a podcast.
I think it would really help to grow your viewers. With the quality of your content, I really think you should have more subscribers. I only have a little bit of time per day that i can watch youtube video. If this was released as an audio only podcast I would listen to all instead of just 20 percent. The way my life is, I can listen to ten times as much podcasts as i can watch youtube videos.
It is a podcast now - it’s on 10 of the most common platforms and most of the episodes are now uploaded- including this one.
@@SiliconCurtain Great! I will listen to all.
Concerning the "selective" solidarity at around 20 minutes. If believe some psychologists now have a theory that people have one of two kind of empathy. Some have "universal" empathy while others have empathy only toward those that they can somehow relate to (nationality, friends, family, political belief, race, etc. ).
ty
👍
Thank you both for this remarkable conversation. I always (now the 3rd time) love hearing you two together, conversing.
This discussion makes me think of my on stance on democracy. I know a lot of people here in the USA that are independent. It’s something that I don’t quite understand. When I ask them why they are independents, they tell me they vote for people and don’t care what side they are on (Democrats or Republicans). I find this faith in people, rather than system a bit shortsighted and problematic, especially because the independents are a big group and often sway elections one way or another. For me, it’s the Democracy itself that’s important, it’s something that I deeply value, regardless if the politicians within that system are bad or good, competent/incompetent. I honestly don’t put that much faith in people, but if democracy is taken over by some kind of an authoritarianism, the democratic politicians head’s would be first to come off. So it’s basically an interest to their own survival to operate within that Democratic system. I sometimes think if the Independents trust people more than I do and are willing to vote for the one who is best at lying? Because they all lie to some degree or another to get elected, but I think democrats have a less room for deception. That is why I value democracy in itself. I may be wrong, but of course I feel I’m right, at least a little bit.
I have asked people every now and then, in response to their cynicism towards politicians, where do they think the good pure people would come from to replace the bad politicians. Where is that pure pool of people that is untouched by overall culture? All social systems mold the people inside. And on the other hand, all people project their own characteristics on other people. So, to what degree are you seeing actually yourself in those bad politicians?
@@Liisa3139 That’s a loaded question. Is there such a thing as a “pure politician” or even a “pure person?”
@@BubblegumCreepydoll I'm pointing at people to look at themselves and to notice that they would not be any better as politicians precisely because there is no pure people that would make better politicians.
I heard from some Russians that US has a lot of people meaning also that Russia is kind of small in comparison. And Putin knows that he had a huge decline in birthrate during the 90s and have problems with the amount of people in his nation. USSR also of course lost a lot of people in the break up of big nations like Ukraine and Kazakstan. At that time USSr before the breakup to Russia was bigger in population size than US. Ukraine for exemple is between 20 to 30 percent of Russias population. So I think in that sense Putin was acting on a wish to have more people in his nation. His prime motive of course is his fear of democracy movements even though he believes them to be controlled by US and loosing his own power. Al
Why does the Russian Federation (~140 million) have the rights of the entire USSR (~290 million)?
@@anzelmasmatutis2500 No of course not. But USSR was also controlled by Kreml and Putin is a product of USSR. So he compare Russia with USSR (not regarding communism but in might and as a superpower and people is one of those factor of being an empire). He has done those comparison many times. Why would otherwise Gorbatjov a leader that did many positive things for the russians be seen as such a bad leader in present time Russia. It is only because he is seen as a leader that weakened the empire.
@@hurmur9528 Which just shows the short sightedness of the Russian populace concerning their political system.
Gorby gave them freedom from a collapsing state (it was going to collapse before he was in power anyway), and they spat in his face.
@@nonegone7170 Yes it is a sad state of affair. All this shit could have bin avoided many times. But I guess in a way he becomes his own demise because even though he was a good leader he was not a democratic leader but a democratic autocrat. And I guess this dual role could lead to not many liking you.
A new autocrat probably always was a risk since the apparatus for such a leader still was in place. KGB was relative intact during all this years for example. And it happened gradually in a way that seems to be designed to take back the old style autocrat leader. Especially with the media and the social contract that the population of Russia was willing to take. A contract that will get worse for them all the time.
Authoritarians need people to have the mindset of obedient "subjects" instead of "citizens". "Subjects" accept that their rights are dispensed by the authority of unrestrained rulers, they accept this because of fear of harsh consequences imposed by the rulers. "Citizens" understand that rights are god-given and the ruler's authority to restrict rights needs to be restrained with consequences imposed by the people on the rulers.
Maybe replace 'god given' with 'hard fought for'
You need to understand it they also accept it because it makes them feel comfortable. About one in four people need a strong leader or they feel constant anxiety.
I suspect that one in four number is higher in Russia because of centuries of filtering. But to them, democracy and total freedom feels like chaos and it's a very threatening and frightening.
God-given they're not.
47:49 “I am not seeing enough of a strategic vision for Russia.”
- Vlad Vexler
Its not the full might of western armour. most of what Ukraine has been given is a good 30 years old. At the start of the war the Russian military was thought to be the second most powerful in the world, now it is the second most powerful in Ukraine.
The Abrams is 40 years old. Most western MBTs are at least 2 decade old. The design date of a system mean very little (if anything that’s a good thing, it means they have proven themselves against a constant barrage of attempted « innovation »)
I can understand how a relatively young democracy can lapse into a seemly secure authoritarian status quo. Mounting corruption without competition will lead to mounting insecurities along with a diminished ability to solve social problems which then induces general instability. The eventual call for reformation, a return to a more refined democratic process is inclusive of individual participation by the populace.
"Today I have mostly been in discussion with Vlad Vexler."