In this episode of the Entropy Podcast, host Francis Gorman speaks with Elizabeth Bullock, a frontline leader who spent three years in Ukraine during the ongoing conflict. Elizabeth shares her journey from a technology startup career to driving into Ukraine just days after the Russian invasion, motivated by a sense of urgency and responsibility. She discusses the realities of life in a war zone, the resilience of the Ukrainian people, and the importance of understanding the broader implications of the conflict beyond just military actions. Elizabeth emphasizes the need for awareness of hybrid warfare tactics, including disinformation and cyber threats, which extend beyond Ukraine and pose risks to Western societies.

Throughout the conversation, Elizabeth highlights the fragility of the systems we take for granted in the West, urging listeners to recognize the potential vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure and the psychological impacts of disinformation. She calls for unity and resilience in the face of these challenges, drawing parallels between the experiences of Ukrainians and the need for Western societies to remain vigilant against external threats. The episode concludes with a powerful message about the importance of maintaining focus on fundamental freedoms and values, encouraging listeners to reflect on their own responses to outrage and division.

Takeaways

• "I had an overriding feeling of this cannot and must not be happening again."
• "The easiest way to win a war is by never firing a bullet."
• "If we let ourselves get distracted by them, we will lose the things that are the most important."
• "Russia sees Western ideology and values as a fundamental threat."
• "We have to recognize that there may be a seed of disinformation that has been planted that is slowly growing into something a lot worse for us."

Sound Bites

• "A divided nation can be conquered easily."
• "Does my outrage keep cohesion for this country, or does it benefit Russia?"

You can find Elizabeth over at: www.prammavox.com