When used in a mechanical context, a lynchpin is a vital piece designed to keep the wheels from falling off a wagon or tool. Today, I use this word metaphorically in a global and political context on the Stephen Mansfield podcast to describe what I believe was a key event in the development of the Russian/European conflict. The Nord Stream pipeline explosion in September escalated tensions between Europe and Russia, and we will continue to see its effects in the coming months. Listen to today's episode for details.