On 12 February 2025, I was interviewed on the PBS NewsHour about the remarkable comments President Trump and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth made earlier in the day about US policy toward Ukraine and Europe more generally.
Farkas is a lying warmongering smirking simp. She and her Obama era ilk have destroyed the Levant and sown the seeds of Ukraine's destruction, and now she wants what -- more Ukrainian deaths and destruction, or even NATO troops dead for a lost and false cause? Prof. Mearsheimer's patience in the face of this dishonest person is saintly.
I stopped taking Evelyn Farkas seriously in this interview the moment she decried Putin/Russia as having imperialist ambitions - but saying nothing about the US's long-established vast empire.
One of the few things I agree with Trump on. The US overthrew the democratically elected president of Ukraine in 2014. And the new government set out to destroy everything Russian, including the ethnic Russians of the Donbass. If I fault Putin for anything, it's for waiting so long to go into Ukraine to defend the ethnic Russians. The Kiev nazis needed to be stopped.
This is the first time that I'm aware of Dr. M being on PBS. Has he been invited for commentary there before and I missed it, or is this a new first? If it is, perhaps it signals some movement on the part of the US MSM, of which I consider PBS to be a part, toward a greater respect for reality, as opposed to simply repeating our government's propaganda baloney which has been severely divorced from reality for many years now.
I believe that you are correct. I'm not aware of Mearsheimer appearing on any MSM before.
Of course, they paired him with a troll and didn't require any evidence or support when she directly contradicted him on a simple matter of recorded fact. Baby steps I guess.
Farkas is disingenuous. She uses the standard scary language that we are used to hearing from the left and right in the U.S. about Russia. Do not be fooled. Scammers like her benefit from international conflicts. Arizona State should fire here. She has nothing to teach.
I suspect that Evelyn Frakas is in front of the line ladling out the poison Koolaid. Whether she believes or doesn't believe the propaganda designed for the public is probably immaterial.
Watch her eyes carefully when the professor demolishes her claims. She knows what she's saying is a pile of steaming.
There was fear in her eyes, the fear of the liar upon encountering a person who could easily demolish the lies and expose her.
She was also surprised the hosts did not automatically leap to her side, and demand John justify himself, while leaving her lies standing without question.
There was tears and screaming afterwards. She'll certainly never agree to debate John directly.
The real tragedy here is that agreeing not to extend NATO membership to UKR in 2021 would likely have prevented the war in the first place. All the deaths and devastation since then were totally unnecessary.
It's a shame Evelyn Farkas uses her time to spread stories about Putin's goals without ever ever having to reveal or explain where those notions come from. Mearsheimer has encountered these allegation of Putin's motive to recreate the USSR or the Russian Empire and has painstakenly refuted them over and over. But Russiaphobia seeks any and all excuses to vilify Russia and any falsehoods are vehemently defended.
I should be afraid of Russia when we were in one middle eastern war after another, during the 21st century? I should be afraid of Russia when we have supplied Israel with weapons to carry out a genocide, something it couldn't do without the US? I should be afraid of Russia when I'm wondering if we are crazy enough to go along with Israel and bomb, bomb Iran? I should be afraid of Russia when we implemented a coup in Ukraine in 2014, and precipitated a war between Ukraine and Russia? Something we wanted to happen. Like I'm stupid and don't know we used Ukrainian lives to bring down Russia and are willing to use a lot more? I know who the bogeyman is!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I was thrilled to see you on PBS, Professor. I hope that you will become a major adviser to President Trump, so that his decisions have the best chance of cohering with a realist perspective.
Exactly. I haven't heard it so succinctly employed in many a moon. It was almost a thing of art in its illustration of a blockhead thumping away at the tub. This brief interchange was hardly enough to include Trump's challenge: Putin will not be satisfied if only his 2 pre-conditions are met. As long as Russia moves forward on the ground, Russia will want more. And there's a problem for Trump's team. Seeming to cave to all Russia's wants would begin undermining our competitive position with China. Unfortunately, Ukraine is disadvantaged on the ground, increasingly unable to field enough combat ready boots to stem Russia's slow but steady advance. Even a willing set of European countries would be unable to field the needed numbers. The dead and the destruction in Ukraine will pile up as the war continues until one or both contestants are exhausted. That could be a Putin success and allow Trump to wrap up U.S. participation in an unpopular war. Clamping down on the flow of war supplies lets Trump hasten events along. ("Peace! America first means worrying a lot about what happens to us, not so much about what happens to others who made some very bad choices in the past." -- the script almost writes itself.)
Professor Mearsheimer has contended for some time now that this was going to be the best case scenario in the event a peace agreement could be reached. But let’s be honest, Trump didn’t end that fiasco of a war because he’s a good guy wanting MAGA. There’s a lot of money and resources being wasted on an unwinnable war that can go into his and his billionaire technocrats’ coffers. Additionally, he simply doesn’t like president Zelenskyy. Zelenskyy wouldn’t play for pay with him during his previous term. And it turns out, that’s the only game Trump plays.
Uhh, Zelensky was a central figure in the Demonrats 'Impeachment' theatre. He should be grateful the US doesn't 'accidentally' drop a few attackums on his residence whilst he's home.
Few would cry.
He's a terrible actor, and about 90% of the World is heartily sick of hearing his fake 'deep voice'. Constantly, whining, begging, and threatening.
Still, his widow will have lots of huge mansions to play around in.
Trump asked Zelenskyy to dig for evidence of fraudulent activity by Hunter Biden which somehow also implicated Joe Biden in exchange for military aid. Trump engaged in what some have described as a criminal quid pro quo. While low and reprehensible and beneath the office of a US president, it was not an impeachable offense and Trump did not deny that that’s what he did. Did Hunter Biden make out like a bandit? My guess is he probably did. Is there any proof Joe Biden benefited in any way? No such evidence has ever been produced. Jared Kushner, former top White House adviser, got cool $2 billion dollar in business dealings with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman after leaving government. That was nice. Did Trump benefit in any way? No such evidence has ever seen produced.
Our government is corrupt and only the best and most convincing cons make it to the top. Nixon, Reagan, Bush Sr., Clinton, George W., Trump and Biden. What do all these presidents have in common? They were/are well dressed criminals with the gift of gab. I mean, Republicans tried to impeach Clinton because he lied about Monica Lewinsky smoking his cigar!😂
I personally was not surprised by what Trump did back then nor what he’s going to do in the next four years. I’m originally from New York. We all knew what this guy was up to back in the 80’s and 90’s. There’s already a spill on isle 47 or as Rome historians would say, enjoy the bread and circuses.
To quote "Trump asked Zelenskyy to dig for evidence of fraudulent activity by Hunter Biden which somehow also implicated Joe Biden in exchange for military aid. Trump engaged in what some have described as a criminal quid pro quo. While low and reprehensible and beneath the office of a US president, it was not an impeachable offense and Trump did not deny that that’s what he did. Did Hunter Biden make out like a bandit? My guess is he probably did. Is there any proof Joe Biden benefited in any way? No such evidence has ever been produced."
Think about what you said here. Is it wrong to request information about criminal activities? I mean even WRONG, let alone impeachable? Of course not. In comparison, the Biden Regime demanded of Voldemort Z that he forcibly rounds up every 18yr old and send them to get executed, to receive military aid.
As for evidence the "Big Guy" benefited, ohhhh, there's TONS of such evidence, all from that "Russian disinfo laptop" that Hunter once owned, and the former anti-corruption prosecutor in Kiev now turned PI and whistleblower - the one the Demonrats prevented from giving evidence to Congress. To name but two.
The Biden Crime Syndicate covered their tracks well, but not well enough.
~And no, this isn't Repub/Trumpist propaganda, I'm a Green who wanted Stein to win. Admittedly, I preferred Trump over the nuclear-suicidal Demonrats.
If even 1% of the scrutiny Trump survived was dropped onto the Bidens, the entire clan would never see the light of day again.
I agree about all of them being con-artists, and that it was pathetically embarrasing the impeachment over sexual favours - especially with so many REAL crimes that Clinton committed, but got away with.
Like his wife, the CIA have ensured the both of them are teflon.
Trump is an assehole on so many levels it's not even funny, but how indicative that compared to the Demonrats 'leadership' the guy is almost an angel in comparison.
It all comes down to whatever you want to believe. America is a marketplace of ideas as well as information, disinformation not to mention conspiracy theories galore. I like John Mearsheimer. He’s well educated, knowledgeable and expresses his ideas without becoming too political or biased. I like facts and legitimate sources of information as well as independent journalism. I don’t get emotional or butt hurt about politicians or presidents because I don’t have a dog in this fight. I’m an anarchist.
Ahh <3 <3 <3 <3. Nice to meet a fellow traveller, although usually I'll say "liberal" to avoid the knee-jerk reactions of those who think Anarchism is "hard-leftism" due to lifelong media indoctrination.
TBF though, it's not really "Down to whatever you believe", is it? When we are talking actual reality. Someone who says "I don't believe the Israelis have actually massacred 10s or hundreds of thousands in Gaza", is simply not a credible person for conversation.
There are factual dead bodies in the rubble, graves, and mass graves.
This isn't an opinion on whether chocolate or strawberry icecream is nicer.
Likewise, there are factual paper trails, expropriated funds, board positions, incriminating emails, fired Ukie investigators, and a certain Family with more assets than strict legal earnings could have provided.
Of course, if you're actually saying "We can agree to disagree", well, that's another kettle of fish, and one I use myself quite often, no probs. :)
Well done Prof Mearscheimer! It is great to see you on main stream media. The broader public needs to hear your fair minded, insightful analysis. Some part of the MSM seems to be beginning to understand that.
I’d love to see a debate. Farkas vs Mearsheimer, or Jeff Sachs, or Scott Ritter, or Chris Hedges, Colonel McGregor, Larry Wilkerson..it’s a long list…she knows she’s lying. She doesn’t care.
Show me, Farkass, where Putin has telegraphed in his speeches and writings that he wants to re-create the Soviet Union. You are a lying piece of you know what.
Farkas is a lying warmongering smirking simp. She and her Obama era ilk have destroyed the Levant and sown the seeds of Ukraine's destruction, and now she wants what -- more Ukrainian deaths and destruction, or even NATO troops dead for a lost and false cause? Prof. Mearsheimer's patience in the face of this dishonest person is saintly.
I'm afraid the fear mongers are the war mongers.
Truth
I stopped taking Evelyn Farkas seriously in this interview the moment she decried Putin/Russia as having imperialist ambitions - but saying nothing about the US's long-established vast empire.
What a display of patience and containment of Prof. Mearsheimer to listen calmly to the ludicrous baseless reply of Ms Farka.
Have you seen him any other way, ever?
One of the few things I agree with Trump on. The US overthrew the democratically elected president of Ukraine in 2014. And the new government set out to destroy everything Russian, including the ethnic Russians of the Donbass. If I fault Putin for anything, it's for waiting so long to go into Ukraine to defend the ethnic Russians. The Kiev nazis needed to be stopped.
This is the first time that I'm aware of Dr. M being on PBS. Has he been invited for commentary there before and I missed it, or is this a new first? If it is, perhaps it signals some movement on the part of the US MSM, of which I consider PBS to be a part, toward a greater respect for reality, as opposed to simply repeating our government's propaganda baloney which has been severely divorced from reality for many years now.
I believe that you are correct. I'm not aware of Mearsheimer appearing on any MSM before.
Of course, they paired him with a troll and didn't require any evidence or support when she directly contradicted him on a simple matter of recorded fact. Baby steps I guess.
He was on the PBS NewsHour once a few months ago. I’m sorry he didn’t respond more forcefully to the imperial ambitions charged of Putin.
Farkas is disingenuous. She uses the standard scary language that we are used to hearing from the left and right in the U.S. about Russia. Do not be fooled. Scammers like her benefit from international conflicts. Arizona State should fire here. She has nothing to teach.
Evelyn Farkas has swallowed the Putin Bad kool-aid…..she is a delusional idiot, in my opinion !
Thank you Professor for your reasonable, logical anayalis .
I suspect that Evelyn Frakas is in front of the line ladling out the poison Koolaid. Whether she believes or doesn't believe the propaganda designed for the public is probably immaterial.
Watch her eyes carefully when the professor demolishes her claims. She knows what she's saying is a pile of steaming.
There was fear in her eyes, the fear of the liar upon encountering a person who could easily demolish the lies and expose her.
She was also surprised the hosts did not automatically leap to her side, and demand John justify himself, while leaving her lies standing without question.
There was tears and screaming afterwards. She'll certainly never agree to debate John directly.
The real tragedy here is that agreeing not to extend NATO membership to UKR in 2021 would likely have prevented the war in the first place. All the deaths and devastation since then were totally unnecessary.
It's a shame Evelyn Farkas uses her time to spread stories about Putin's goals without ever ever having to reveal or explain where those notions come from. Mearsheimer has encountered these allegation of Putin's motive to recreate the USSR or the Russian Empire and has painstakenly refuted them over and over. But Russiaphobia seeks any and all excuses to vilify Russia and any falsehoods are vehemently defended.
I should be afraid of Russia when we were in one middle eastern war after another, during the 21st century? I should be afraid of Russia when we have supplied Israel with weapons to carry out a genocide, something it couldn't do without the US? I should be afraid of Russia when I'm wondering if we are crazy enough to go along with Israel and bomb, bomb Iran? I should be afraid of Russia when we implemented a coup in Ukraine in 2014, and precipitated a war between Ukraine and Russia? Something we wanted to happen. Like I'm stupid and don't know we used Ukrainian lives to bring down Russia and are willing to use a lot more? I know who the bogeyman is!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I was thrilled to see you on PBS, Professor. I hope that you will become a major adviser to President Trump, so that his decisions have the best chance of cohering with a realist perspective.
Farkas and many others are still pushing Domino Theory 50 years after Vietnam!
Exactly. I haven't heard it so succinctly employed in many a moon. It was almost a thing of art in its illustration of a blockhead thumping away at the tub. This brief interchange was hardly enough to include Trump's challenge: Putin will not be satisfied if only his 2 pre-conditions are met. As long as Russia moves forward on the ground, Russia will want more. And there's a problem for Trump's team. Seeming to cave to all Russia's wants would begin undermining our competitive position with China. Unfortunately, Ukraine is disadvantaged on the ground, increasingly unable to field enough combat ready boots to stem Russia's slow but steady advance. Even a willing set of European countries would be unable to field the needed numbers. The dead and the destruction in Ukraine will pile up as the war continues until one or both contestants are exhausted. That could be a Putin success and allow Trump to wrap up U.S. participation in an unpopular war. Clamping down on the flow of war supplies lets Trump hasten events along. ("Peace! America first means worrying a lot about what happens to us, not so much about what happens to others who made some very bad choices in the past." -- the script almost writes itself.)
Professor Mearsheimer has contended for some time now that this was going to be the best case scenario in the event a peace agreement could be reached. But let’s be honest, Trump didn’t end that fiasco of a war because he’s a good guy wanting MAGA. There’s a lot of money and resources being wasted on an unwinnable war that can go into his and his billionaire technocrats’ coffers. Additionally, he simply doesn’t like president Zelenskyy. Zelenskyy wouldn’t play for pay with him during his previous term. And it turns out, that’s the only game Trump plays.
Uhh, Zelensky was a central figure in the Demonrats 'Impeachment' theatre. He should be grateful the US doesn't 'accidentally' drop a few attackums on his residence whilst he's home.
Few would cry.
He's a terrible actor, and about 90% of the World is heartily sick of hearing his fake 'deep voice'. Constantly, whining, begging, and threatening.
Still, his widow will have lots of huge mansions to play around in.
Trump asked Zelenskyy to dig for evidence of fraudulent activity by Hunter Biden which somehow also implicated Joe Biden in exchange for military aid. Trump engaged in what some have described as a criminal quid pro quo. While low and reprehensible and beneath the office of a US president, it was not an impeachable offense and Trump did not deny that that’s what he did. Did Hunter Biden make out like a bandit? My guess is he probably did. Is there any proof Joe Biden benefited in any way? No such evidence has ever been produced. Jared Kushner, former top White House adviser, got cool $2 billion dollar in business dealings with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman after leaving government. That was nice. Did Trump benefit in any way? No such evidence has ever seen produced.
Our government is corrupt and only the best and most convincing cons make it to the top. Nixon, Reagan, Bush Sr., Clinton, George W., Trump and Biden. What do all these presidents have in common? They were/are well dressed criminals with the gift of gab. I mean, Republicans tried to impeach Clinton because he lied about Monica Lewinsky smoking his cigar!😂
I personally was not surprised by what Trump did back then nor what he’s going to do in the next four years. I’m originally from New York. We all knew what this guy was up to back in the 80’s and 90’s. There’s already a spill on isle 47 or as Rome historians would say, enjoy the bread and circuses.
To quote "Trump asked Zelenskyy to dig for evidence of fraudulent activity by Hunter Biden which somehow also implicated Joe Biden in exchange for military aid. Trump engaged in what some have described as a criminal quid pro quo. While low and reprehensible and beneath the office of a US president, it was not an impeachable offense and Trump did not deny that that’s what he did. Did Hunter Biden make out like a bandit? My guess is he probably did. Is there any proof Joe Biden benefited in any way? No such evidence has ever been produced."
Think about what you said here. Is it wrong to request information about criminal activities? I mean even WRONG, let alone impeachable? Of course not. In comparison, the Biden Regime demanded of Voldemort Z that he forcibly rounds up every 18yr old and send them to get executed, to receive military aid.
As for evidence the "Big Guy" benefited, ohhhh, there's TONS of such evidence, all from that "Russian disinfo laptop" that Hunter once owned, and the former anti-corruption prosecutor in Kiev now turned PI and whistleblower - the one the Demonrats prevented from giving evidence to Congress. To name but two.
The Biden Crime Syndicate covered their tracks well, but not well enough.
~And no, this isn't Repub/Trumpist propaganda, I'm a Green who wanted Stein to win. Admittedly, I preferred Trump over the nuclear-suicidal Demonrats.
If even 1% of the scrutiny Trump survived was dropped onto the Bidens, the entire clan would never see the light of day again.
I agree about all of them being con-artists, and that it was pathetically embarrasing the impeachment over sexual favours - especially with so many REAL crimes that Clinton committed, but got away with.
Like his wife, the CIA have ensured the both of them are teflon.
Trump is an assehole on so many levels it's not even funny, but how indicative that compared to the Demonrats 'leadership' the guy is almost an angel in comparison.
It all comes down to whatever you want to believe. America is a marketplace of ideas as well as information, disinformation not to mention conspiracy theories galore. I like John Mearsheimer. He’s well educated, knowledgeable and expresses his ideas without becoming too political or biased. I like facts and legitimate sources of information as well as independent journalism. I don’t get emotional or butt hurt about politicians or presidents because I don’t have a dog in this fight. I’m an anarchist.
Ahh <3 <3 <3 <3. Nice to meet a fellow traveller, although usually I'll say "liberal" to avoid the knee-jerk reactions of those who think Anarchism is "hard-leftism" due to lifelong media indoctrination.
TBF though, it's not really "Down to whatever you believe", is it? When we are talking actual reality. Someone who says "I don't believe the Israelis have actually massacred 10s or hundreds of thousands in Gaza", is simply not a credible person for conversation.
There are factual dead bodies in the rubble, graves, and mass graves.
This isn't an opinion on whether chocolate or strawberry icecream is nicer.
Likewise, there are factual paper trails, expropriated funds, board positions, incriminating emails, fired Ukie investigators, and a certain Family with more assets than strict legal earnings could have provided.
Of course, if you're actually saying "We can agree to disagree", well, that's another kettle of fish, and one I use myself quite often, no probs. :)
May the Anarchist Force be with you. :) xx
Well done Prof Mearscheimer! It is great to see you on main stream media. The broader public needs to hear your fair minded, insightful analysis. Some part of the MSM seems to be beginning to understand that.
I’d love to see a debate. Farkas vs Mearsheimer, or Jeff Sachs, or Scott Ritter, or Chris Hedges, Colonel McGregor, Larry Wilkerson..it’s a long list…she knows she’s lying. She doesn’t care.
Show me, Farkass, where Putin has telegraphed in his speeches and writings that he wants to re-create the Soviet Union. You are a lying piece of you know what.