Timothy Snyder: America Has Chosen to Self-Destruct - And Russia’s Real Problem Is Just Beginning

Timothy Snyder, a historian specializing in Central and Eastern Europe, discusses the recent shift in U.S. foreign policy towards Russia and Ukraine, particularly under Donald Trump's influence. Snyder argues that Trump's alignment with Russia is driven by personal interests rather than national ones, suggesting that Trump views the U.S. not as a sovereign entity but as a business venture. This perspective allows Trump to prioritize his relationships with individuals like Vladimir Putin over the interests of the United States, leading to policies that undermine American power and credibility on the global stage.

Snyder highlights the implications of this alignment, noting that Trump's actions could be seen as a form of "superpower suicide," where the U.S. diminishes its own influence and reliability as an ally. He points out that the current U.S. administration's approach to Ukraine is transactional, focusing on personal gain rather than supporting Ukraine's sovereignty. As the situation evolves, Snyder warns that Ukraine must navigate these pressures carefully, emphasizing the need to maintain its stance against Russian aggression while managing its relationship with the U.S. to secure necessary support.

The conversation also touches on the potential for the U.S. to further distance itself from Ukraine, with Snyder expressing concern that Trump may push for a peace deal that favors Russia. He stresses that Ukraine's continued resistance is crucial, as any concessions could lead to a loss of leverage and further entrenchment of Russian aggression. Ultimately, Snyder underscores the importance of recognizing the desperation driving both Trump and Putin, suggesting that their actions stem from fear rather than strength.

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This is a conversation with Timothy Snyder - a historian working on Central and Eastern Europe, politics of Russia and Ukraine and democracy and the threats it faces.

We talk about the spectacular shift of the United States to align with Russia against Ukraine, about what is real reason behind it, how far it can go and what it can lead to or about the future of Russia, Europe and the United States - and much more.