Clearer Than Truth
The wisdom of former Secretary of State Dean Acheson inspires our podcast. It emphasizes clarity while examining the intricate global issues of today for a diverse audience. In a world where time is limited, this podcast aims to distill complex ideas into straightforward narratives, making them not just comprehensible but in Acheson’s words, “clearer than truth.” The podcast, much like other news-oriented shows, is committed to keeping listeners updated on breaking global events. Airing once every few weeks, it dissects the latest news, featuring insights from experts around the world. From discussions on significant geopolitical developments to the passage of controversial laws, this podcast provides concise yet comprehensive analyses.
Clearer Than Truth
Arne Westad | Author of The Coming Storm, Preeminent Cold War Scholar
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Arne Westad, one of the world’s leading historians of international history and the Cold War, joins Clearer Than Truth to examine the geopolitical forces reshaping the world.
Westad argues that today’s rivalry between the United States and China should not simply be viewed as a new Cold War. Instead, he sees stronger parallels with the period before World War I—a time when a relatively stable international system began to fracture, multiple regional conflicts emerged, and no one could predict which crisis might ultimately trigger a global catastrophe.
The conversation explores the increasingly consequential relationship between Russia and China, Russia’s dependence on Beijing, the future of Putin’s regime, NATO expansion, Russian nationalism, and the lessons history can—and cannot—teach us about today's conflicts.
Westad also examines China’s extraordinary economic transformation, its relationship with Taiwan, and how Beijing is interpreting Russia’s experience in Ukraine. He ultimately argues that the coming decades are likely to be defined by multipolarity, rising nationalism, and a series of smaller conflicts that could test the ability of major powers to maintain global stability.
00:00 Introduction: Arne Westad
00:29 Is This a New Cold War?
02:20 Why 1914 May Be the Better Comparison
04:32 Russia & China: A Dangerous Partnership
07:33 How China Became a Global Power
09:20 How Durable Is the Russia-China Partnership?
12:10 What Happens to Russia by 2050?
14:23 How Putin Led Russia Into Crisis
16:41 NATO Expansion & Russia's Strategic Thinking
19:17 What Is Happening Inside Russia?
22:40 What Happens If Putin's Regime Weakens?
24:15 Understanding Russian Nationalism
27:33 China's Rise & Global Ambitions
30:49 What Is China Learning From Ukraine?
33:00 The Future of the Global Order
35:30 The Coming Storm & What's Next