Episode 115: Collisions - Ukraine, Russia, and the West by Michael Kimmage - Deep Dive Book Review

Today, we are reviewing Michael Kimmage's "Collisions - Ukraine, Russia, and the West," which examines the origins of the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, tracing the complex interplay of historical grievances, geopolitical maneuvering, and miscalculations by both Russia and the West. The book analyzes four key factors: Russia's enduring desire to control Ukraine, Ukraine's precarious geopolitical position, the West's inconsistent policies toward Ukraine, and Putin's gamble against American power. Kimmage contrasts the approaches of different US presidents (from Clinton to Biden) and European leaders (like Merkel), highlighting shifting geopolitical dynamics and the impact of events like the Arab Spring and the Trump presidency. Ultimately, the book argues that the war resulted from a confluence of these factors rather than a single cause, revealing a long-standing tension between Russia and the West that culminated in the devastating conflict.
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