In this episode, we delve into Russia's strategies in weaponizing risk to negotiate with the West over Ukraine. Featuring Andrea Kendall-Taylor, Senior Fellow at the Center for New American Security and a former CIA intelligence officer, the discussion covers the historical context of Russia's aggressive tactics from post-Soviet Union conflicts to recent invasions. We analyze the West's responses, the current state of the Ukraine war, and strategies to bring Putin to the negotiation table. Additionally, we explore the concerning rise of authoritarianism globally and within the United States, highlighting parallels with democratic backsliding. Andrea's insights from her recent book, 'The Origins of Elected Strongmen,' sheds light on how these trends threaten global democracy. Tune in for an in-depth understanding of these complex geopolitical dynamics.

Check out Andrea's Book: https://amzn.to/3VB6EPR

00:00  Introduction

01:34  Historical Context: Post-Soviet Russia

05:08  Russia's Aggression: From Georgia to Crimea

10:48  The 2022 Invasion: Missteps and Responses

17:43  Global Implications: The Axis of Upheaval

27:18  Negotiation Strategies and Authoritarianism

37:28  Personalism in Politics: U.S. and Beyond

51:25  Conclusion: Reflections and Future Outlook