The discussion of ideologies was interesting. Seems to me that every society has form kind of ideology, a lens through which we try to make sense of the world around us and make decisions. The danger is dogmatism, when we cling too fervently to our ideas and fail to adjust and adapt them to an ever-changing world. In Marxism, there is a dialectical relationship between theory and praxis, the two are meant to inform each other.
Also, ideological fervor seems to ebb and flow in societies. During the Russian and Chinese revolutions a strong ideological commitment helped them escape from confines of the semi-feudal past and break the chains of old hierarchies. The Chinese have clearly been more successful at adapting and refining their ideology than the Soviets were, who failed to adapt to changing times, alas.
FYI - several days ago (7/3) I found an extraordinary podcast by the invaluable Mike Benz ("The Secret Backstory of Russia-gate Fraud") -- on the 25+ year origin of Russia-gate fraud and hatred of Putin to this day. I believe it is impossible to overstate the importance and brilliance of this episode – extension of now forbidden Alex Kreiner’s book “Grand Deception”.
The Secret Backstory Of "Russia-gate" Fever: How Putin's 2003 Arrest Of The Blob's Top Oligarch Asset Inside Russia Sparked The Foreign Policy Flame War Trump Inherited -- Mike Benz @MikeBenzCyber -- July 3, 2025
Ukraine was just a repeat, by same people, of what was happening in Russia before Putin stopped it.
Once again, it is simply not possible to overstate the importance of this timely analysis…
Another item -- Mike is pushing boundaries of video podcasting - by using novel and entertaining approach to a very complex subject and uses past and present since the repulsive players are still the same.
The discussion of ideologies was interesting. Seems to me that every society has form kind of ideology, a lens through which we try to make sense of the world around us and make decisions. The danger is dogmatism, when we cling too fervently to our ideas and fail to adjust and adapt them to an ever-changing world. In Marxism, there is a dialectical relationship between theory and praxis, the two are meant to inform each other.
Also, ideological fervor seems to ebb and flow in societies. During the Russian and Chinese revolutions a strong ideological commitment helped them escape from confines of the semi-feudal past and break the chains of old hierarchies. The Chinese have clearly been more successful at adapting and refining their ideology than the Soviets were, who failed to adapt to changing times, alas.
There was a panel in Moscow with Germans and Russians on June 16th.
German foreign correspondent Ulrich Heyden posted a video documenting it on YT.
I assume translations will follow if there is enough interest.
So far only a raw German-Russian speaking version -
"Which path is Germany taking? - European Institute Moscow Round Table, Patrik Baab, Ulrike Guerot, et al."
due to live translations 160 minutes:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OeZC2hGmNjI
p.s. I too can only recommend Mr. Sakwa´s book (as his older ones).
FYI - several days ago (7/3) I found an extraordinary podcast by the invaluable Mike Benz ("The Secret Backstory of Russia-gate Fraud") -- on the 25+ year origin of Russia-gate fraud and hatred of Putin to this day. I believe it is impossible to overstate the importance and brilliance of this episode – extension of now forbidden Alex Kreiner’s book “Grand Deception”.
The Secret Backstory Of "Russia-gate" Fever: How Putin's 2003 Arrest Of The Blob's Top Oligarch Asset Inside Russia Sparked The Foreign Policy Flame War Trump Inherited -- Mike Benz @MikeBenzCyber -- July 3, 2025
https://x.com/MikeBenzCyber/status/1940703252062122326
Ukraine was just a repeat, by same people, of what was happening in Russia before Putin stopped it.
Once again, it is simply not possible to overstate the importance of this timely analysis…
Another item -- Mike is pushing boundaries of video podcasting - by using novel and entertaining approach to a very complex subject and uses past and present since the repulsive players are still the same.
Thank you Prof. Diesen for your understanding and effort...
https://substack.com/@warsconflictsoftheworld/note/c-128451682?r=1qt5jg&utm_medium=ios&utm_source=notes-share-action