Of course Trump likes Zelensky now - at least in public. Zelensky is a "winner" now in Trump's eyes. Don't ever look for complex thoughts or beliefs in Trump's mind - winner, yes; loser, no. That is as deep as it gets.
Just finished reading Michael Kofman’s “The next Russian Threat” in Foreign Affairs. He does a nice analysis of what has happened in Ukraine as well as the Russian potential for military recovery. Thanks for the Substack talk today. It is always helpful.
It's worse than you said. I have a colleague at Riga University who is an ethnic Russian. He grew up in Riga, yet he spoke no Latvian until he was forced to do so, when Latvia attained independence.
Thank you for this important discussion on NATO and the future of collective security. Having witnessed the consequences of international security decisions in Afghanistan, I believe alliances are not only measured by military strength, but also by strategic vision, unity, and responsibility toward the people affected by their decisions.
NATO’s future depends not only on defense capabilities, but also on maintaining trust, shared values, and a realistic understanding of global challenges. History shows that security without long-term political solutions can leave behind difficult consequences.
Thank you for continuing this important conversation.
I think that the question about NATO being a Purely Defensive Organization, might have been a question about exerting Soft Power, etc. rather than becoming an Offensive Organization ...
Thank you, Jamie. I completely agree that transparency and accountability are essential to public trust. As someone who witnessed institutional collapse in Afghanistan, I have learned that democracies remain strong only when difficult questions are answered openly and honestly. I recently shared a broader reflection on why public trust matters, and I'd be grateful for your thoughts:
Thank you for reading and engaging with my work. I write from lived experience—as someone who witnessed war, institutional collapse, and forced displacement in Afghanistan. My goal is to encourage thoughtful, evidence-based discussion about democracy, accountability, and human dignity. I recently shared a broader reflection on this subject here, and I would truly value your thoughts:
Of course Trump likes Zelensky now - at least in public. Zelensky is a "winner" now in Trump's eyes. Don't ever look for complex thoughts or beliefs in Trump's mind - winner, yes; loser, no. That is as deep as it gets.
Yep
thanks for this coherent analysis, greatly needed during these times.
Just finished reading Michael Kofman’s “The next Russian Threat” in Foreign Affairs. He does a nice analysis of what has happened in Ukraine as well as the Russian potential for military recovery. Thanks for the Substack talk today. It is always helpful.
Ambassador, You're right. Estonia is 30% Russian-speaking. And Latvia is 34%. Good targets for Putin's little green men.
It's worse than you said. I have a colleague at Riga University who is an ethnic Russian. He grew up in Riga, yet he spoke no Latvian until he was forced to do so, when Latvia attained independence.
Thank you for this important discussion on NATO and the future of collective security. Having witnessed the consequences of international security decisions in Afghanistan, I believe alliances are not only measured by military strength, but also by strategic vision, unity, and responsibility toward the people affected by their decisions.
NATO’s future depends not only on defense capabilities, but also on maintaining trust, shared values, and a realistic understanding of global challenges. History shows that security without long-term political solutions can leave behind difficult consequences.
Thank you for continuing this important conversation.
Hello from London. Due to timing I’m watching late night UK time.
I think that the question about NATO being a Purely Defensive Organization, might have been a question about exerting Soft Power, etc. rather than becoming an Offensive Organization ...
I really like Michael McFall!!
Thank you, Jamie. I completely agree that transparency and accountability are essential to public trust. As someone who witnessed institutional collapse in Afghanistan, I have learned that democracies remain strong only when difficult questions are answered openly and honestly. I recently shared a broader reflection on why public trust matters, and I'd be grateful for your thoughts:
https://substack.com/@wahidullahnoorzai/note/p-204973822?r=8isan8
Thank you for reading and engaging with my work. I write from lived experience—as someone who witnessed war, institutional collapse, and forced displacement in Afghanistan. My goal is to encourage thoughtful, evidence-based discussion about democracy, accountability, and human dignity. I recently shared a broader reflection on this subject here, and I would truly value your thoughts:
https://substack.com/@wahidullahnoorzai/note/p-204973822?r=8isan8