On 19 February 2025, I was on CNN International talking about the fundamental differences between Europe and the United States regarding how best to end the Ukraine war, and also talking about the likely Ukrainian response to the deal between Russia and the US that now appears to be emerging.
Ah. Well. Once again, if only we had listened to people like my parents starting immediately afterwards world war 2, George Kennan starting 40 years ago, and John Mearsheimer and everyone on his side of the fence starting 35 years ago we’d be in a much better place. Millions of lives and trillions of dollars would have been saved.
Please note that John Mearsheimer predicted all of this as though he was looking at a crystal ball.
One has to ask themselves if someone is correct about everything they’ve had to say why wouldn’t those in power listen to them now?
As unpalatable as Donald Trump’s vibe is in some areas, his instincts in this instance, which mirror those of John Mearsheimer’s, should be applauded.
The simple fact of the matter is that our top world leaders should do everything in their power to avoid war. That should be their top priority.
It’s Interesting how CNN now has Prof. Mearsheimer on air….. I guess it has to do with the reality of things on the ground in Ukraine and who better else to say it as it is , even if they don’t wanna hear, than the Realist Professor.
The fact that it took CNN, the supposedly reputable network, all these years to bring on the Professor is very telling. He should've been the first guest they interviewed the moment the war started. Hopefully they'll start interviewing him about other areas of the world soon.
The European Union needs an external enemy to justify its control of monetary policy, centralize military functions, and issue debt to jumpstart moribund economies and create patronage for political allies. Without the “Russian threat” the pan-European project has little justification and its myriad errors- horrid bureaucracy, stagnating economies, lack of jobs and housing for youth, mass immigration, political censorship, Cultural suicide, cronyism, and arrogance would be obvious and intolerable. The E.U. Needs Russia to justify its existence. But it’s a bad deal for the subjugated nation states, and the subjugated national politicians. We will see which prevails…
The leaders of the EU who were summoned to Paris are all without a single exception on their way out. They represent nobody but themselves and their bureaucracies. Consider Antonio da Costa, European Council president, chased out of office as Portuguese PM for corruption, Olaf Scholz who will be replaced this Sunday. Sanchez who survives thanks to Catalan separatism. And then there is Emmanuel Macron, the universally detested (in France) president of nothing. The wizard of finance who bankrupted the country. I personally believe that Macron's huffing and puffing is in his mind a way to "look better" to the public. These people are criminally incompetent, having colluded with the Maidan nazi regime to ethnically cleanse the Donbass and all Ukraine of Russian influence, culture and language - all part of "Ukraine" for more than 350 years (longer than US independence!).
I just LOVE the body language, the facial expression of being at loss and the stumbling speech of someone (the CNN interviewer) who is waking up to reality and realizing that they might just have to accept that.
It is quite remarkable that now, with Trump administration in the office, CNN invites you to talk about war in Ukraine... That would had been impossible few month ago.
She didn't look at all happy with the presentation of reality. If only this atrocity had never happened but the ball has been rolling since the 1990's. A true accounting of events for Europe will be hard to stomach.
I guess CNN has to get used to having Mearsheimer on (just a few days after PBS had him on as well). Spelling his name 'Mearsheim' and with the anchor (hello sludge) having some difficulty pronouncing his name.
Forcing Ukraine to accept peace on Russia’s terms isn’t a diplomatic achievement—it’s bullying. Russia invaded a sovereign nation and has the resources to outlast Ukraine if it chooses. The U.S. could pressure Ukraine into a settlement, but what guarantees Russia won’t return in six months or five years for more? Ending the war isn’t the real test of leadership—securing Ukraine against future aggression is. If Russia isn’t stopped, what’s to prevent it from targeting the Baltics, Moldova, or former Warsaw Pact nations? A weak response now invites greater threats later. Where do we draw the line?
Ah. Well. Once again, if only we had listened to people like my parents starting immediately afterwards world war 2, George Kennan starting 40 years ago, and John Mearsheimer and everyone on his side of the fence starting 35 years ago we’d be in a much better place. Millions of lives and trillions of dollars would have been saved.
Please note that John Mearsheimer predicted all of this as though he was looking at a crystal ball.
One has to ask themselves if someone is correct about everything they’ve had to say why wouldn’t those in power listen to them now?
As unpalatable as Donald Trump’s vibe is in some areas, his instincts in this instance, which mirror those of John Mearsheimer’s, should be applauded.
The simple fact of the matter is that our top world leaders should do everything in their power to avoid war. That should be their top priority.
Nice that this rather odd woman had you on CNN and actually listened to you, Prof. M.
That's Professer Mearsheim, excuse me
Wow, Realism is back on the mainstream media table.
It sucks to be CNN
I love it when you tell them something they don't want to hear.
It’s Interesting how CNN now has Prof. Mearsheimer on air….. I guess it has to do with the reality of things on the ground in Ukraine and who better else to say it as it is , even if they don’t wanna hear, than the Realist Professor.
YES!
The fact that it took CNN, the supposedly reputable network, all these years to bring on the Professor is very telling. He should've been the first guest they interviewed the moment the war started. Hopefully they'll start interviewing him about other areas of the world soon.
The European Union needs an external enemy to justify its control of monetary policy, centralize military functions, and issue debt to jumpstart moribund economies and create patronage for political allies. Without the “Russian threat” the pan-European project has little justification and its myriad errors- horrid bureaucracy, stagnating economies, lack of jobs and housing for youth, mass immigration, political censorship, Cultural suicide, cronyism, and arrogance would be obvious and intolerable. The E.U. Needs Russia to justify its existence. But it’s a bad deal for the subjugated nation states, and the subjugated national politicians. We will see which prevails…
The Prof in the belly of the beast!
I think you handled that session with remarkable grace, short, sharp and to the point. A pro!
The leaders of the EU who were summoned to Paris are all without a single exception on their way out. They represent nobody but themselves and their bureaucracies. Consider Antonio da Costa, European Council president, chased out of office as Portuguese PM for corruption, Olaf Scholz who will be replaced this Sunday. Sanchez who survives thanks to Catalan separatism. And then there is Emmanuel Macron, the universally detested (in France) president of nothing. The wizard of finance who bankrupted the country. I personally believe that Macron's huffing and puffing is in his mind a way to "look better" to the public. These people are criminally incompetent, having colluded with the Maidan nazi regime to ethnically cleanse the Donbass and all Ukraine of Russian influence, culture and language - all part of "Ukraine" for more than 350 years (longer than US independence!).
I just LOVE the body language, the facial expression of being at loss and the stumbling speech of someone (the CNN interviewer) who is waking up to reality and realizing that they might just have to accept that.
It is quite remarkable that now, with Trump administration in the office, CNN invites you to talk about war in Ukraine... That would had been impossible few month ago.
She didn't look at all happy with the presentation of reality. If only this atrocity had never happened but the ball has been rolling since the 1990's. A true accounting of events for Europe will be hard to stomach.
I guess CNN has to get used to having Mearsheimer on (just a few days after PBS had him on as well). Spelling his name 'Mearsheim' and with the anchor (hello sludge) having some difficulty pronouncing his name.
Here is 'John Meeshamer'
Poor thing.
I'd always read the name as Mears-heimer, as German speakers call him, until I heard Americans caling him a Sheimer, whatever that is.
I think you're right that it is pronounced Mears-heimer.
Yeah, they can subvert him sneakily but they can't keep him outside the door. Hah!
Very interesting!!! Thank you for sharing professor.
If I may, what is the European map in the background about?
Forcing Ukraine to accept peace on Russia’s terms isn’t a diplomatic achievement—it’s bullying. Russia invaded a sovereign nation and has the resources to outlast Ukraine if it chooses. The U.S. could pressure Ukraine into a settlement, but what guarantees Russia won’t return in six months or five years for more? Ending the war isn’t the real test of leadership—securing Ukraine against future aggression is. If Russia isn’t stopped, what’s to prevent it from targeting the Baltics, Moldova, or former Warsaw Pact nations? A weak response now invites greater threats later. Where do we draw the line?