Sergey Karaganov: How Russia Will Win the New World War

In this long-form interview, Professor Sergey Karaganov, head of the Council for Foreign and Defense Policy, discusses his views on the 'New World War' and Russia's strategic path forward. Karaganov reflects on past diplomatic efforts and criticizes the Russian government's previous restraint, which he believes allowed for Western encroachment. He frames the current conflict as a fundamental shift in the global system, arguing that a new, multipolar world is emerging, albeit through instability.

The discussion covers the evolution of Russia’s nuclear doctrine, the involvement of Western nations in the Ukraine conflict, and the perceived existential threat posed by Western aggression. Karaganov posits that the conflict is effectively a third world war, with consequences that extend far beyond the battlefield in Ukraine. He addresses the necessity for Russia to escalate and punish Western involvement, while warning of the risks of nuclear escalation. The conversation also touches on Russia's cultural and political orientation, arguing that it is fundamentally Eurasian, not European, and must look inward and toward its Eastern partners to secure its future.