Latest Interviews

Why Putin invaded Ukraine & how to prevent disaster | Samuel Charap (2022)

Samuel Charap, Rob Woodland

Recorded on March 10, 2022, this episode features 80,000 Hours' Rob Woodland and RAND Corporation's Samuel Charap analyzing how Russia's strategic miscalculations and Western diplomatic failures have driven the conflict in Ukraine. The discussion evaluates severe escalation risks, including potential nuclear use and cyber warfare, while critiquing escalatory proposals like no-fly zones that lack a viable off-ramp. Charap argues that a realistic settlement likely requires Ukraine to accept non-alignment and territorial concessions, warning that prolonged Western support for total victory could result in a destructive frozen conflict.