The Gray Area with Sean Illing

The War in Ukraine, Explained — Part 1: Why did Putin go to war?

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Russia's invasion of Ukraine is one of the biggest and most confusing political events of our lifetimes. We aim to bring some clarity in this special four-part series from Vox Conversations and host Zack Beauchamp, The War in Ukraine, Explained.

In part one, Zack speaks with political scientist Yoshiko Herrera about the country responsible for the war: Russia. They explore why Vladimir Putin decided to launch the invasion, what Russians think about the war, and how this conflict might change Russia's future.

Host: Zack Beauchamp (@zackbeauchamp), Senior Correspondent, Vox

Guest: Yoshiko Herrera (@yoshikoherrera), professor of political science, University of Wisconsin-Madison

References: 

  • "9 big questions about Russia's war in Ukraine, answered" by Zack Beauchamp (Vox; Mar. 30)
  • "The Bully in the Bubble: Putin and the Perils of Information Isolation" by Adam E. Casey and Seva Gunitsky (Foreign Affairs; Feb. 4)


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    This episode was made by: 

    • Producer: Erikk Geannikis
    • Editor: Amy Drozdowska
    • Deputy Editorial Director, Vox Talk: Amber Hall

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