ChinaTalk Emergency Pod: What's Driving Putin, Sanctions, Drugs, Echoes from History, Xi, Chips
Feb 26, 2022
Chris Miller teaches at Tufts University and is a leading expert on Russian affairs, known for his book "Putinomics." He delves into the motivations behind Putin's invasion of Ukraine, discussing his isolated decisions and the disarray within his security council. The conversation also touches on the impact of sanctions on the Russian economy and the changing political sentiments in Russia, drawing parallels with historical events like Nazi Germany. Additionally, Miller explores the intricate dynamics of the Russia-China tech trade amid ongoing global tensions.
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Episode notes
Shifting Kremlin Dynamics
- Lavrov's smugness after Crimea contrasted with the fear displayed by officials in the recent security meeting.
- The uncoordinated messaging and invasion rollout suggests internal dissent within Putin's ranks.
Elite Dissent
- The pre-recorded security council meeting, showing dissent among Russian elites, is puzzling.
- It suggests a need for Putin to enforce compliance, contradicting the assumption of unified support for his foreign policy.
Putin's Public Reprimands
- Putin enjoys publicly reprimanding factory CEOs, reminiscent of "Undercover Boss."
- Publicly dressing down his security council before the invasion seems like an odd power play.
