EP#189 | GUEST | Untangling Russia & Ukraine: A Century of Tensions with Prof. Demetrius Floudas

📄 Episode Overview

In Episode #189, we dive deep into the roots of the Russia-Ukraine conflict with renowned international law expert Professor Demetrius Floudas. From historical partitions and Cold War dynamics to modern geopolitical chess moves, this episode breaks down the complexity behind one of today’s most pressing global crises. Professor Floudas, having lived and worked in both Russia and Ukraine, provides unique insights into the political, cultural, and strategic factors at play.

🎯 Key Takeaways

• Ukraine’s identity has long been shaped by East-West divisions and historical affiliations
• NATO expansion is a key factor in Russia’s geopolitical red lines
• Western narratives often oversimplify the multifaceted nature of the conflict

🧠 Summary

Professor Demetrius Floudas joins the show to shed light on the century-long tensions that have culminated in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. Drawing from his legal and geopolitical expertise, Floudas explores Ukraine’s dual identity—rooted in both Austro-Hungarian and Russian imperial histories—and how this dichotomy persists in modern politics. The conversation spans from post-WWI partitions to Zelensky’s surprising rise, NATO’s role in regional escalation, and the overlooked significance of documents like the 2019 RAND report. Through this context-rich discussion, listeners gain a more nuanced understanding of the war’s origins and the interplay between nationalism, foreign policy, and media framing.

🔎 Practical Tips

• Don’t rely solely on Western media—explore global sources for balanced views
• Historical context is key to understanding current events
• Watch for long-term implications of NATO’s strategic expansions

📚 Research Spotlight

The RAND Corporation’s 2019 report “Extending Russia” outlined strategies—one being a war with Ukraine—that could weaken Russian influence, highlighting how academic planning sometimes intersects with real-world events.

❓FAQ

Q: Was the Russia-Ukraine war really “Putin’s invasion”?
A: Professor Floudas argues it's far more complex—stemming from decades of cultural divisions, shifting alliances, and unmet security assurances dating back to the fall of the USSR.

⏱️ Chapters & Timestamps

• 00:00 – Opening & Welcome
• 02:00 – Introducing Professor Floudas
• 03:30 – Ukraine’s divided history explained
• 06:40 – Putin's worldview and the Carlson interview
• 10:00 – WWI to WWII historical context
• 14:00 – Zelensky’s political rise & Russian roots
• 19:45 – The RAND Report & Western strategies
• 25:00 – 2014 Maidan protests & Crimea
• 32:00 – NATO’s eastern expansion
• 41:00 – Putin’s domestic approval and Russian pride
• 54:00 – Kosovo & Serbia parallels
• 59:30 – Forever wars and what’s next
• 1:06:00 – Final reflections

🧭 Final Thought

The Ukraine conflict isn’t just a modern war—it’s the culmination of historical fractures, political miscalculations, and clashing narratives. Understanding the backstory is the first step toward a more informed future.

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