John Mearsheimer …. “Why is Ukraine the West’s Fault? Featuring John Mearsheimer” … speaking in 2015
UnCommon Core: The Causes and Consequences of the Ukraine Crisis ………………………………… John J. Mearsheimer, the R. Wendell Harrison Distinguished Service Professor in Political Science and Co-director of the Program on International Security Policy at the University of Chicago, assesses the causes of the present Ukraine crisis, the best way to end it, and its consequences for all of the main actors. A key assumption is that in order to come up with the optimum plan for ending the crisis, it is essential to know what caused the crisis. Regarding the all-important question of causes, the key issue is whether Russia or the West bears primary responsibility.
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Amazing explanation……..simple and clear.
It is refreshing to know we still have a few political science scholars, who are able to look deep into US-Russia relations and are willing to say things so different from what we keep hearing from the talking heads on our major networks TV and our politicians, void of intelligent foresight.
I would never have watched this video when it first came out, but now that events are getting serious, I am so thankful I found this because now it makes sense why things are happening the way they are, and where we are headed, and it scares me because I feel there’s nothing I personally can do about it.
Truly American approach. Talking about “making” other countries into something without considering their interests and opinions.
Love this speech and thank god he has the freedom to speak openly and sometimes even negatively about his own country. He definitely changed my mind about this conflict.
Recently stumbled upon this talk. Prof John J. Mearsheimer’s thoughts on Ukraine, on the West, and on the East are as relevant now as they were when this talk was given. A valuable and enlightening talk. Thank you for sharing this.
I am Ukrainian myself and it is truly sad of how my country struggles to clean itself up. Just leave it alone. we need time to build up.
I do love his explanation of core strategic interests versus economic interests, and of the balance of resolve. As this guy says “we don’t actually care that much about Ukraine, but the Russians really care”.
What a wonderful lecture! It is a shame that mainstream media does not give more publicity to such intelligent, rational perspectives instead of emphasizing what Prof. Mearsheimer calls the ‘conventional wisdom’ and its shallow sensationalism (and that statement fully applies to my country – France – as well).
I so wish this man had more influence on the American government. This was very worth watching. He is an exceptionally talented lecturer.
Not only where his predictions about Ukraine right on the spot (six years ago), but in some extra remarks, he mentioned that it would be really bad if Russia and China would cooperate again – and yes these two nations found each other again, Russia helping China advancing it’s Belt & Road policy.
I just came across this prescient video from 6 and 1/2 years ago. It is amazing that we’re still having the same conversation and still making the same mistakes. Thank you Professor Mearsheimer. United States is a wonderful country, but we surely suck at trying to export liberal democracy and capitalism.
Thank you, excellent presentation! I am watching this video on February 5, 2022, 8 years after the fact. The history and present conditions, all make sense of what is happening in Ukraine, Russia, Europe and the United States. In addition, John made a statement that he gave China 10 to 15 years before we would say problems he’s right on target
Six years later and what this man has been saying has come to pass, such as the US/Nato influence in Ukraine and the China threat. The truth of what he says is obvious even to a layman like myself.
I wasn’t watching but listened with my headphones while working around the house. When I saw it was the article was published in 2015 I couldn’t believe it. I had the feeling it was posted if not yesterday, then not more a month ago. This man is a genius! Period.
Excellent lecture. The world never needs war, let alone another one.
Well thank you so much! This was amazing, something has not sat right with me when it came to the issue of Ukraine and I’m so glad I came across this video has really helped me to understand and confirm in my heart what I’ve been sensing and feeling this whole time.
An effortlessly brilliant exposition by the Dean of International Relations! Mr. Mearsheimer, whose ‘Tragedy of Great Power Politics’ and the ‘Israel Lobby and US Foreign Policy’ are masterworks (and must-reads), is one of the splendidly provocative IR theorists at work, whose books force you to think hard.
It is very interesting to watch in 2022, knowing how events played out.
As many below have said: You have to keep reminding yourself that this lecture happened over six years ago.
Very interesting lecture. I’ve never heard of John Mearsheimer before this. Sounds like a wise man here. I wonder if he’d still be saying these same things now? I’d like to hear him now. He’s only 74 and I’m sure still with it enough for at least a discussion. Love to hear from him now.
Prophetic! Thank you so much for such a clear, informative and insightful talk. I learnt a lot from it.
What an absolutely insightful and fascinating video. Very relevant to the current crisis in Ukraine
It’s extraordinary how (at the time of the gulf war) it was repeatedly stated that this conflict was NOT ABOUT OIL. But 20 years later an academic can casually drop the fact that it was all about oil into a lecture.
Brilliant talk. Wonderful to hear someone not only speaking sense but doing it so clearly. Thank you.
If you review lectures by other eminents, one frequently encounters contradictions after a period of say 5 years. But this Professor is consistent in his remarks with regards to events unfolding. I find him to be relatively intellectually honest as well, a rare trait in these times.
‘Conventional wisdom’ is the easiest way to obtain information and it surely misleads. One really needs to understand issues on a fundamental level before simply believing ‘conventional wisdom’ Great lecture Prof John J. Mearsheimer!
Alaide Gio Mendes
5 years ago