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Foreign Affairs
Related: About this forumPutin's New Allies are Betraying Him - Prof. Gerdes - Jason Jay Smart
In this must-see analysis, Professor Gerdes joins Jason Smart to deliver a compelling exposé on the cascading betrayals weakening Russias military and its alliances. The Professor explains how the Kremlins authoritarian system has created a climate of fear, leading to a shocking wave of arrests among top Russian generals - a profound betrayal from within. The truth behind the so-called "summer offensive" is revealed, detailing how its catastrophic failure and immense casualties have completely debunked the myth of Russian military supremacy.
We also break down the nations complex and often misunderstood relationship with China, highlighting how the "no limits" partnership has been betrayed. Professor Gerdes asserts that the alliance is far from equal, demonstrating how Russia has been reduced to a junior partner. He provides a clear-eyed analysis of the failed Power of Siberia 2 pipeline deal, explaining how this economic and geopolitical weakness exposes Chinas dominance and the immense challenges facing the Kremlin.
This expert breakdown highlights why Russia's rigid military doctrine is failing to adapt to a new era of warfare. Insights from Professor Gerdes reveal a government and its army on the brink, isolated by their own systemic failures and the crumbling trust within their most powerful relationships.
CHAPTERS:
00:26 The Shanghai Cooperation Organization
05:47 Is Russia Repeating History?
07:03 Russia's Strategic Failure
13:20 Putin's Lack of Information
18:08 The Morale Disparity
22:28 The Shameless Attitude of Russian Sympathizers
28:31 Russia's Great Patriotic War Narrative
29:21 Russian History of Striving to Be European
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Putin's New Allies are Betraying Him - Prof. Gerdes - Jason Jay Smart (Original Post)
TexasTowelie
Sep 2025
OP
Norrrm
(4,381 posts)1. Donald still loves Vlad.
Irish_Dem
(80,415 posts)2. Even Trump is having a few moments here and there of clarify about Putin.
China saw the handwriting on the wall three years ago about Putin.
