Introduction

> It’s clear that engaging with all sides of a conflict is essential; “my hope for this little journey I'm on” is to talk to everyone, whether it’s Putin, Zelensky, or people from different backgrounds. By doing so, I aim to foster understanding and emphasize our shared humanity, because ultimately, “truth and love wins.”

> I recognize that the path I’ve chosen can invite criticism for being naive or weak, yet I believe passionately in my approach. I’m not afraid of making mistakes; rather, I embrace them as opportunities to improve and grow in my mission to alleviate suffering and promote empathy.

Power

> First, the concept of anarchy is central to my viewpoint on international politics. In an anarchic international system, there is no higher authority that nations can rely on, which means they must look out for themselves. Power, defined mainly by population size and wealth, is essential for survival. "There's no world state, no hierarchy," which forces states to maximize their power to survive. This view draws from Thomas Hobbes' idea of the state of nature where individuals must fend for themselves, suggesting that in the absence of higher authority, states must strive to be powerful, much like how the United States and China act in order to avoid vulnerability.

> Second, when it comes to the nature of realism versus liberalism, the divide is significant. Realists like me see power as the end-all in international relations, with war being an intrinsic tool of statecraft. Liberals, on the other hand, have a more idealistic approach, suggesting democracy, economic interdependence, and institutions can lead to peace. For instance, democratic peace theory posits that democracies don't fight each other. Economic interdependence theory claims closely tied economies won't war for fear of mutual loss. My rebuttal is that survival trumps prosperity; during a security crisis, like in 1914 Europe, economic ties couldn't prevent World War I. For realists, structural factors, not individual or national moral codes, drive state behavior—which is why I align with offensive realism, believing states will always seek opportunities to gain power when the chances of success outweigh the costs.

Hitler

> One key point I want to highlight is that structural factors were crucial in driving Nazi Germany's aggressive behavior, with Adolf Hitler adding a layer of what some might call a "will to power". This combination of structural considerations and Hitler's characteristics played a significant role in leading to World War II.

> Another important aspect is understanding the intense motivations behind Soviet soldiers' fierce resistance during World War II. The brutal treatment of Soviet citizens and POWs by the Germans created a life-or-death situation, pushing them to fight with extreme determination and bravery against a genocidal adversary.

Russia and Ukraine

> "There is no evidence to support the argument that Putin wanted to conquer all of Ukraine. The Western narrative of him being an aggressor like the second coming of Hitler is crafted to shift blame, overlooking the role of NATO expansion as the main trigger for the conflict."

> "NATO expansion and EU integration were part of a strategy to turn Ukraine into a pro-Western bulwark on Russia's border. The neglect of Russia's security concerns in this strategy contributed significantly to the current conflict."

> "In a world with nuclear weapons, even limited nuclear use can have far-reaching and unforeseeable consequences. Nuclear escalation dynamics are uncertain, highlighting the inherent risks of conflicts escalating in a nuclear-armed environment, calling for cautious diplomacy and human relations to prevent catastrophic outcomes."

Israel and Palestine

> The Palestinian attack on Israel on October 7th was motivated by the suffocating occupation, stirring up resistance: “I think the main reason was that you had this suffocating occupation... Palestinians feel oppressed as they should and that this was a resistance move.”

> Hamas anticipated Israeli retaliation, understanding the historical context of conflicts such as Operation Cast Lead: “There's no question in my mind that the Hamas forces understood full well that the Israelis would retaliate... as they have done.”

> The quest for peace hinges on a two-state solution, but Israel's political landscape has shifted away from this due to a rightward shift: “The Israelis have lost all interest in a two-state solution... the political center of gravity in Israel has steadily moved to the right... it is impossible to move the Israelis in that direction.”

> The presence of the Israel Lobby influences US policy towards Israel, hindering the pursuit of a two-state solution: “The lobby has not been pushing policies that are in Israel's interest or America's interest... the lobby's effects have not been conducive to fostering a two-state solution.”

China

> There's a growing security competition with China, and while the situation remains tense, "I think we can avoid it here," as we did during the Cold War. Geography matters in this equation, and "getting across water is very difficult," which is a crucial factor in the Taiwan situation.

> Deterrence is paramount. "You want to make sure that you deter China from invading Taiwan," because its strategic significance is vital for not just the U.S. but its regional allies. If we let Taiwan go, "it would have hugely negative consequences for our alliance structure in East Asia."

> The U.S. must navigate its foreign policy with a realist understanding to avoid conflict, recognizing that "fear and respect are next door neighbors." Building power is essential, but it's about more than just size; it’s "a competition for power that’s taking place all the time," and understanding our adversaries can lead to a more stable future.

Life and mortality

> Finding a fulfilling career is about chasing what truly interests you; my mother always said you need to do something that "floats your boat." It's essential to wake up with a bounce in your step, so don't let others dictate your path—follow your passion, even if it diverges from what your parents envision for you.

> Equally important is the balance of humility and hubris. I devised the Hubris-Humility Index with my friend Steve Van Evera; it reminds us that while you should believe you can change the world, you must also recognize your limitations. It's this interplay between being ambitious and being a good listener that propels personal and professional growth.