Russian Roulette BONUS EPISODE: What the Iran War Means for Russia
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Mar 20, 2026 Michael Kimmage, Kennan Institute director and foreign policy scholar, offers a brisk read on Russia’s strategic calculus amid the Middle East war. He weighs Russia’s limited leverage and possible economic windfalls from energy. They discuss risks to transatlantic unity, air-defense strains, and how Moscow might exploit global disorder without overcommitting.
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Global Anarchy Puts Russia On The Sidelines
- Global anarchy from U.S. actions is hard for Russia to manage strategically.
- Michael Kimmage argues Russia aimed to be a co-equal rulemaker but now often appears sidelined despite opportunistic gains for Putin.
Higher Oil Prices Are A Big Russian Windfall
- The Iran war is an economic windfall for Russia via higher oil prices and disrupted Strait of Hormuz flows.
- Max Bergman notes prices jumped from ~$40 to above $100 and Russia benefits if the strait remains closed.
Expect Quiet Russian Support For Iran
- Watch for covert Russian support to Iran despite public restraint.
- Max warns Russia may supply weapons and intelligence under the table while balancing ties to a future U.S. administration.