The Folly of Realism

Ever wondered how the West got it so wrong about Putin's Russia? This summary unpacks the critical mistakes in foreign policy that led directly to the invasion of Ukraine, offering a stark warning about the dangers of misreading a dictator's true intentions and ambitions. You'll discover the inside story from a key White House official who witnessed the flawed decision-making firsthand. Learn how the West's pursuit of a pragmatic "realism" ultimately blinded it to Putin's imperial plans and why understanding this history is crucial to confronting future global threats.

Alexander Vindman is a retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel who served as the Director for European Affairs for the National Security Council, where he was the top Ukraine expert. A Ukrainian immigrant and decorated combat veteran, he became a key witness in the 2019 impeachment inquiry against President Donald Trump. His direct experience with American foreign policy and its real-world consequences provides the powerful, firsthand insight that defines his analysis of the West's relationship with Russia and Ukraine.