Vladimir Pozner: How the United States Created Vladimir Putin

Yale University・2 minutes read

Vladimir Pozner's background and work in promoting objectivity in journalism, along with his concerns about U.S.-Russia relations and the dangers of media manipulation, are discussed in detail by various speakers, highlighting the need for positive dialogue and compromise in resolving international conflicts. The conversation delves into historical events, current geopolitical tensions, and the importance of media influence in shaping perceptions, calling for rational responses to incidents like the Skripal poisoning without escalating confrontations.

Insights

  • Vladimir Pozner, a cosmopolitan journalist, has emphasized objectivity in his work since the '80s, fostering cultural bridges between Russia and other nations.
  • The dangerous state of U.S.-Russia relations is underscored by the Wolfowitz Doctrine, which aimed to maintain American superiority and monitor Russia closely.
  • Mutual negativity between Americans and Russians can be altered through political will and media influence, with the importance of positive relations between leaders like Trump and Putin stressed.

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Recent questions

  • Who is Vladimir Pozner?

    A renowned journalist and broadcaster.

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Summary

00:00

Vladimir Pozner: Renowned Russian Journalist and Broadcaster

  • Douglas Rogers, Faculty Director of the program in Russian East European and Eurasian Studies at Yale, introduces Vladimir Pozner, a renowned journalist and broadcaster.
  • Pozner, known for his interviews with global leaders, is described as a significant figure in Russian media.
  • Pozner's background as a cosmopolitan figure, born in France, raised in the U.S., and residing in Russia, contributes to his broad perspective.
  • Pozner's shift towards objectivity in journalism began in the '80s with projects like space bridges connecting Russian and American audiences.
  • Pozner's accolades include being named "TV Journalist Number One" in Moscow in 1989 and founding the School for Television Excellence.
  • Pozner's work in documentaries has brought cultures like the U.S., France, Italy, and others closer to Russian audiences.
  • Pozner emphasizes his independence as a journalist and the disappearing breed of independent journalism in Russia.
  • Pozner highlights the current dangerous state of U.S.-Russia relations, noting a lack of fear regarding nuclear weapons.
  • The Wolfowitz Doctrine, leaked in 1992, outlined a U.S. policy to maintain superiority and prevent any challenge from other countries, including Russia.
  • The document emphasized the need for the U.S. to control the development of weapons for its allies and to monitor Russia's actions closely.

17:48

"Kennedy criticizes imperialist document, sparks outrage"

  • Edward Kennedy criticized a leaked document as imperialist, sparking outrage among many Americans.
  • The document was rewritten by Mr. Cheney, retaining the view that Russia and America should be the only superpowers.
  • Gorbachev was asked to allow Germany's reunification and the fall of the Berlin Wall, with assurances that NATO would not expand eastward.
  • In 1996, NATO expanded to include Poland, the Czech Republic, and Hungary, contrary to earlier promises.
  • George Kennan, a key figure in U.S. policy, warned that NATO expansion in 1998 could lead to a new Cold War.
  • Russia faced NATO enlargement, the bombing of Yugoslavia, and Kosovo's recognition, leading to tensions with the West.
  • Putin proposed Russia's NATO membership and EU partnership, but both were rejected, leading to growing distrust.
  • Putin's mistrust of the West has fueled a new arms race and a dangerous Cold War atmosphere.
  • Mainstream Russian and American media portray negative images of each other, contributing to mutual fear and distrust.
  • A quote from Herman Goering highlights how leaders can manipulate public opinion to justify war, emphasizing the role of media in shaping perceptions.

37:26

Manipulation, Media, and International Relations Critique

  • Mr. Goering's statement on manipulating people through fear and denouncing peacemakers is highlighted.
  • Reference to a famous American actor, Morgan Freeman, promoting a war narrative is mentioned.
  • The speaker expresses concern about media and political manipulation in both countries.
  • The speaker emphasizes the importance of speaking out against manipulation and being a voice against current events.
  • The speaker questions the portrayal of Putin and the comparison to Hitler by Hillary Clinton.
  • The speaker discusses Russian interference in the U.S. elections and the impact of such actions.
  • The speaker questions the effectiveness of Russian interference and the motives behind highlighting it in the media.
  • The speaker reflects on the Trump-Putin meeting, emphasizing the importance of positive relations between leaders.
  • The speaker criticizes the U.S. Congress for hindering potential progress in relations with Russia.
  • The speaker delves into historical instances of U.S. interference in other countries and questions the double standards applied in international affairs.

55:38

"American-Russian Relations: Media, Compromise, Perception"

  • Rob Foreman, a medical school worker, questions the perception of Americans towards Russia's interference, suggesting it's more about disliking Trump's alleged ties to Russia than the interference itself.
  • Russians supported Trump due to his potential to improve US-Russia relations, not his policies or beliefs.
  • Russian attitudes towards Americans have worsened, influenced by politicians and media on both sides.
  • Mutual negativity between Americans and Russians can be swiftly changed with political will and media influence.
  • In the past, American media allowed diverse viewpoints, like Soviet perspectives, but corporate ownership has altered media's independence.
  • Compromise is crucial in resolving conflicts like the Ukraine issue, exemplified by the Cuban Missile Crisis resolution.
  • During the Cuban Missile Crisis, a compromise was reached where the US removed missiles from Turkey in exchange for Russia withdrawing missiles from Cuba.
  • The compromise during the Cuban Missile Crisis was kept secret to avoid public perception of weakness.

01:13:30

Russian Concerns Over NATO Proximity and Ukraine

  • The Russian leadership perceives NATO as an existential threat due to its proximity to their borders.
  • Ukraine's potential membership in NATO and the European Union is a concern for Russia, especially regarding Crimea and Sebastopol.
  • The Russian perspective is that NATO's presence on their southwest border poses an existential danger.
  • The speaker suggests that an internationally negotiated agreement could have prevented the Ukrainian issue.
  • A hypothetical scenario involving Mexico and the United States is used to illustrate the Russian perspective on NATO's proximity.
  • The speaker emphasizes the need for compromise, suggesting Ukraine guarantees non-membership in NATO while Russia withdraws.
  • The possibility of a referendum in Crimea under international supervision is mentioned as a potential solution.
  • The speaker acknowledges Putin's authoritarian domestic policies and the stymied development of democracy in Russia.
  • The speaker highlights the missed opportunity for cooperation with Russia before 2007 and the subsequent shift in Putin's outlook.
  • The speaker expresses optimism for Russia's future, citing the need for a generational change away from Soviet-era leadership.

01:30:27

Global conflicts and calls for peace

  • Alec, a father of a Yale undergrad, recalls a discussion from 16 years ago in Kazakhstan about his family's move from Odesa to America due to conflict in Transnistria.
  • He questions the ongoing violence in Donetsk, emphasizing the senselessness of neighbors killing each other over trivial issues.
  • The conversation shifts to geopolitical conflicts like the US-Mexico border, Russia-Ukraine tensions, and NATO's involvement in Sevastopol.
  • The focus turns to stopping the violence in Donbas and the need for global powers like the US, Germany, and Russia to intervene.
  • The discussion highlights the lack of leadership addressing the issue of people killing each other worldwide, with a call for more dialogue and media involvement.
  • A story is shared about a German priest, Niemöller, who spoke out against war and the importance of individuals speaking up against injustice.
  • The conversation transitions to the potential impact of a Marshall Plan-like initiative on Russia post-Soviet Union collapse, with a focus on media influence during Glasnost.
  • Questions arise about Russia's lack of intervention in Armenia's peaceful revolution, with emphasis on the new leader's pro-Russian stance and the power of people's voices.
  • The poisoning incident in the UK involving Skripal is discussed, with speculation on the illogicality of Putin ordering the poisoning given the circumstances.
  • The conversation concludes with a call for a strong response to such incidents without escalating confrontations, emphasizing the need for logical and measured actions.

01:47:20

Putin's Involvement in Skripal Incident Questioned

  • Putin's potential involvement in a mysterious incident is questioned, with doubts raised due to the illogical and risky nature of the act.
  • Speculation arises that British intelligence may have orchestrated the poisoning of Mr. Skripal to frame Putin, as suggested by a theory involving John le Carré's perspective.
  • The interview of two individuals related to the incident is criticized as unprofessional, adding to the skepticism surrounding the entire story.
  • The narrator expresses uncertainty and disbelief regarding the motives behind the incident, emphasizing the lack of logic and reasoning behind such actions.
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