Ukraine and America’s Credibility Crisis — with Anne Applebaum
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Podcast Summary
In this episode of Prof G Pod, Scott Galloway sits down with Anne Applebaum, Pulitzer Prize-winning historian and Atlantic staff writer, for a deeply concerning examination of how American foreign policy has become entangled with private business interests. (09:04) The conversation centers on leaked Ukraine peace negotiations that appear to prioritize business deals between American and Russian oligarchs over genuine diplomatic solutions. Applebaum reveals how figures like Steve Witkoff and Kirill Dmitryov are conducting what she calls "business-first diplomacy," raising fundamental questions about whose interests the Trump administration truly serves. (11:01) The discussion also explores the broader implications of corruption in American politics, drawing parallels to authoritarian kleptocracies worldwide.
- Main theme: The dangerous intersection of business interests and foreign policy in high-stakes diplomatic negotiations around the Ukraine war
Speakers
Scott Galloway
Scott Galloway is a professor at NYU Stern School of Business, entrepreneur, and bestselling author. His latest book "Notes on Being a Man" recently hit number one on the New York Times bestseller list, and he hosts the popular Prof G Pod where he analyzes business, technology, and society with his characteristic blend of data-driven insights and provocative commentary.
Anne Applebaum
Anne Applebaum is a Pulitzer Prize-winning historian, staff writer at The Atlantic, and senior fellow at Johns Hopkins University's Agora Institute. She is the author of several acclaimed books including "Gulag: A History," "Red Famine: Stalin's War on Ukraine," and her latest "Autocracy, Inc." Her husband serves as Poland's Foreign Minister, giving her unique insights into European geopolitics and the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Key Takeaways
Business Interests Are Hijacking American Diplomacy
Applebaum reveals that current Ukraine peace negotiations are being conducted primarily by business figures whose main goal appears to be creating profitable American-Russian business deals rather than achieving genuine peace. (09:04) The original peace proposal included extensive plans for American companies to develop Russian minerals in the Arctic and oil and gas infrastructure, suggesting that national security has taken a backseat to commercial interests. This represents an unprecedented corruption of American foreign policy where high-stakes negotiations involving millions of lives are being conducted by people whose primary motivation is profit, not security or humanitarian concerns.
Corruption Creates Systemic Vulnerability
Drawing from her experience living in corrupt countries like 1990s Russia and pre-reform Ukraine, Applebaum explains how widespread corruption fundamentally changes daily life and decision-making for ordinary citizens. (47:46) When laws aren't enforced and regulations are ignored, it creates an atmosphere where bad actors know they can operate with impunity, ultimately making the entire system unsafe and unreliable for everyone. The Trump administration's approach of not enforcing existing laws or preventing new regulations creates the foundation for this type of systemic breakdown.
Ukraine's Innovation-Driven Resistance Strategy
Ukraine has shifted from relying solely on Western military aid to developing its own sophisticated defense industry, particularly in drone technology. (63:48) Ukrainian factories now produce 100 advanced long-range drones daily and launch them against Russian oil and gas infrastructure, recognizing that economic pressure may be more effective than targeting personnel. This represents a fundamental strategic shift toward what Ukrainians call "real sanctions" - direct attacks on Russia's revenue streams rather than relying on Western economic sanctions that have proven ineffective.
Europe Is Stepping Up While America Steps Back
European nations are increasingly filling the leadership void left by American diplomatic retreat, providing the majority of funding and weapons to Ukraine while developing new strategic partnerships independent of traditional NATO structures. (34:27) Countries like Poland, Germany, and Scandinavian nations are forming new bilateral relationships and defense arrangements, recognizing they can no longer depend on consistent American leadership. This shift represents a fundamental realignment in transatlantic relations and European strategic thinking.
Poland Is Emerging as a Major European Power
Poland has achieved remarkable economic growth over thirty years, now approaching Western European living standards and positioning itself as a key player in European security decisions. (55:59) The country is forming new strategic partnerships with Sweden, the UK, and other Baltic nations while maintaining crucial relationships with Germany. Poland's combination of economic success, strategic geographic position, and strong democratic institutions makes it increasingly influential in shaping Europe's response to the Russian threat.
Statistics & Facts
- Russia is losing 15 to 20,000 soldiers per month (killed and wounded) trying to conquer Donetsk province, which they've been attempting to fully control for eleven years. (25:24)
- Ukraine now produces and launches 100 sophisticated long-range drones daily in their campaign against Russian oil and gas infrastructure. (63:48)
- Poland's GDP per capita has caught up to Western Europe and is now richer than both Greece and Portugal, representing unprecedented economic growth over thirty years. (58:06)
