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A former NSA Russian linguist shares deep cultural insights to help listeners understand Vladimir Putin and Russia's actions in Ukraine from a historical and psychological perspective.

• Russians fundamentally differ from Americans in their worldview and expectations
• Russians experience genuine surprise when things work out well, while Americans are surprised when they don't
• Russian history is defined by suffering, invasions, and endurance rather than triumph
• Putin represents Russian cultural values as a "Slavophile" who views Russia as a holy place
• Russia's vulnerable geography has shaped its historical need for buffer states
• The invasion of Ukraine stems from centuries of Russian security paranoia
• Current Ukrainian conflict requires both pressure and incentives to reach resolution
• American weakness under Biden administration has complicated the situation significantly
• Understanding Russian psychology is essential to developing effective diplomatic strategies

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