Summary of "Dark Times for Ukraine" Episode of The Commentary Magazine Podcast

Release Date: February 13, 2025

Introduction

In the February 13, 2025 episode of The Commentary Magazine Podcast, host John Podhoretz engages with executive editor Abe Greenwald, social commentary columnist Christine Rosen, and Washington commentary columnist Matthew Continetti to dissect the evolving geopolitical landscape, particularly focusing on the Ukraine conflict. The episode centers around a significant 90-minute phone call between former President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, examining its implications for the war in Ukraine and broader US foreign policy.

Trump-Putin Call and Its Implications

John Podhoretz opens the discussion by highlighting the Trump-Putin phone call, noting that both leaders expressed a surprising alignment on the need to end the war in Ukraine. This unexpected harmony raises critical questions about the US's negotiating stance and its potential inclination to side with Russia.

Notable Quote (00:51):
John Podhoretz: "Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin having a 90 minute phone call... showed that they were very much in harmony about the need to end the war."

Abe Greenwald responds by asserting that the Trump administration implicitly supports Russian objectives, despite not openly declaring it. He criticizes Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth for conveying a subtext that undermines Ukraine's prospects without providing concrete support.

Notable Quote (02:07):
Abe Greenwald: "What Pete Hegseth really did in going to Europe was make the subtext clear. He said what everyone is thinking out loud."

Analysis of Pete Hegseth’s Statements

The panel delves into Pete Hegseth's remarks about Ukraine's unrealistic expectations to regain pre-war borders. Greenwald argues that while Hegseth’s public statements were disappointing to Ukraine supporters, there were underlying messages that could offer Ukraine some confidence, such as proposals for a demilitarized zone backed by peacekeeping forces.

Notable Quote (05:21):
John Podhoretz: "If I were MAGA, I'd be a little bit worried because the last time we were talking about European peacekeeping forces in the Balkans, America ended up becoming involved."

Trump’s Foreign Policy Approach Compared to Past Administrations

Podhoretz contrasts Trump's attempts to mend US-Russia relations with previous administrations' efforts, noting consistent failures due to scandals and confrontational actions. Greenwald highlights Trump's historical pattern of attempting to forge better ties with Russia, ultimately failing to achieve lasting improvements.

Notable Quote (07:00):
Abe Greenwald: "Trump is now the fifth consecutive president to want to begin his presidency repairing relations with Russia. And it always fails."

MAGA Base’s Perspective on Ukraine

The discussion shifts to how the MAGA base perceives the US’s involvement in Ukraine. Podhoretz criticizes the notion that US support for Ukraine was a mistake, arguing that inadequate support has led to a prolonged and costly stalemate. He contends that stronger support could have compelled Russia to withdraw more decisively.

Notable Quote (09:45):
Christine Rosen: "We need to educate our citizens better in terms of global affairs."

Implications for NATO and US Foreign Policy

The panel examines the future of NATO, expressing concerns that the Trump administration’s approach might weaken the alliance's deterrent capabilities. Greenwald and Podhoretz emphasize the historical significance of NATO in maintaining European stability and fear that current policies might undermine its effectiveness.

Notable Quote (11:45):
John Podhoretz: "Since 2004... membership in the European Union and second, membership in NATO... has been more than 30 years on the table."

Domestic Issues Impacting Foreign Policy Support

Rosen and Podhoretz discuss how domestic economic issues, such as inflation, are overshadowing foreign policy concerns. They argue that rising living costs reduce public support for continued US involvement abroad, making it challenging to maintain robust foreign policy initiatives.

Notable Quote (58:41):
John Podhoretz: "Inflation is coming down. And what are you talking about? All you vibe, you're all buying into these vibes."

Developments Between Hamas and Israel

The conversation touches on recent developments between Hamas and Israel, noting Hamas’s announcement to release three hostages. The panel expresses concern over the humanitarian impact and the precarious balance of the ceasefire, highlighting the fragile nature of regional stability.

Notable Quote (50:17):
John Podhoretz: "Hamas has now come in with three. Another sign that he's a very cautious politician and the people misunderstand him."

Trump’s Coalition-Building and Internal Politics

Podhoretz and Greenwald analyze Trump's efforts to broaden his political base by including figures like Tulsi Gabbard. They question the loyalty and ideological alignment of such appointments, suggesting that Trump's strategy is more about patronage than cohesive policy-making.

Notable Quote (54:23):
Christine Rosen: "He is adopting ideas and tactics that we should be able to understand better than we do. People, and you know, people go to the least or the wildest analogies he could."

Conclusion and Future Outlook

The episode concludes with the panel expressing skepticism about the feasibility of Trump’s approach to ending the war in Ukraine. They emphasize the need for a coherent and morally grounded foreign policy that effectively supports allies and deters aggression. The discussion underscores the complexities of balancing domestic priorities with international responsibilities, highlighting the uncertain path ahead for US foreign policy and global stability.

Final Remarks (63:00):
John Podhoretz: "Everything is so wildly destabilized. I'm going to conclude here with a quick recommendation... We'll be back tomorrow."

Insights & Conclusions

The episode underscores the intricate interplay between US domestic politics and international relations. The Trump administration's nuanced and sometimes contradictory approach to the Ukraine conflict reflects broader challenges in shaping effective foreign policy amidst shifting political alliances and public opinion. The panelists advocate for a balanced strategy that upholds US commitments to international allies while addressing internal economic concerns, emphasizing the importance of sustained support to ensure global stability.

Overall, the discussion paints a picture of a US grappling with its role on the global stage, caught between historical alliances, emerging threats, and evolving political landscapes.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Abe Greenwald (02:07): Criticizes Trump administration’s implicit support for Russian objectives.

• John Podhoretz (05:21): Highlights the dangers of inadequate support for Ukraine leading to prolonged conflict.

• Christine Rosen (09:45): Emphasizes the importance of educating citizens on global affairs.

• John Podhoretz (11:45): Explains the significance of NATO and EU membership for Ukraine.

• John Podhoretz (58:41): Discusses the impact of economic issues like inflation on foreign policy support.

This summary captures the essence of the podcast episode, focusing on key discussions, notable insights, and critical evaluations presented by the hosts and panelists. It provides a comprehensive overview for listeners who seek to understand the complexities of US involvement in the Ukraine conflict and the broader implications for international relations.