Thank you for this very, very informative and thoughtful conservation. In the time since the podcast, some discussions have now begun towards ending the fighting between Russia and Ukraine. The tentative agreement seems to include Ukraine's not joining NATO, as well some permanent ceding of territory to Russia.
I don't know if you read listener comments, but I wonder if it could be worthwhile to ask the forensic question of whether Ukraine could have won. If they had been given more/enough weapons, funding and support, could Ukraine have conceivably won? I think that deserves a hearing.
My own feeling is that they could have. Although I wonder how that could have been solidified into an enduring victory. Would Russia have reignited hostile takeover efforts at some future point in time? It's a given they would be unaccepting of this defeat. Maybe this kind of postgame analysis could have some value as part of a future podcast? If only because Ukraine's defeat seems worthy of a broad understanding, including what went so wrong, but also a respectful examination of "what might have been".
Thank you both very much -- this is a book I will read, because I need to know more about this conflict and this region. Heretofore, my sole understanding was that Crimea is where Pushkin did some lovely poetry, and Tchaikovsky & other composers vacationed! This was enlightening, to say the least!
I like Shield of the Republic because I know little to nothing about any of the subject matter. I always come away feeling the tiniest bit more aware of things that are important, and relevant to the current, as the past usually is. I agree with Eric's final words that the guest ends with an "unusually hopeful note". Thank you!
Thank you for this very, very informative and thoughtful conservation. In the time since the podcast, some discussions have now begun towards ending the fighting between Russia and Ukraine. The tentative agreement seems to include Ukraine's not joining NATO, as well some permanent ceding of territory to Russia.
I don't know if you read listener comments, but I wonder if it could be worthwhile to ask the forensic question of whether Ukraine could have won. If they had been given more/enough weapons, funding and support, could Ukraine have conceivably won? I think that deserves a hearing.
My own feeling is that they could have. Although I wonder how that could have been solidified into an enduring victory. Would Russia have reignited hostile takeover efforts at some future point in time? It's a given they would be unaccepting of this defeat. Maybe this kind of postgame analysis could have some value as part of a future podcast? If only because Ukraine's defeat seems worthy of a broad understanding, including what went so wrong, but also a respectful examination of "what might have been".
This was a fascinating conversation. I will get the book..someday soon..but am in the midst of something lighter having just completed Bloodlands.
A great deal of tragedy in this history
Thank you both very much -- this is a book I will read, because I need to know more about this conflict and this region. Heretofore, my sole understanding was that Crimea is where Pushkin did some lovely poetry, and Tchaikovsky & other composers vacationed! This was enlightening, to say the least!
Superb episode. My thanks to you both.
I like Shield of the Republic because I know little to nothing about any of the subject matter. I always come away feeling the tiniest bit more aware of things that are important, and relevant to the current, as the past usually is. I agree with Eric's final words that the guest ends with an "unusually hopeful note". Thank you!