Jeffrey Sachs: The Untold History of the Cold War, CIA Coups Around the World, and COVID's Origin

Added: May 29, 2024

Roots of the Ukraine Conflict

Sachs begins by discussing the events leading up to the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, challenging the narrative that it was unprovoked. He traces the roots of the conflict back to the end of the Cold War, highlighting the US government's decision to expand NATO eastward, encroaching on Russia's borders. He explains that this expansion violated promises made to Russia that NATO would not move eastward, leading to increased tensions.

The US Strategy in the Black Sea Region

He further elaborates on the long-standing plan to surround Russia in the Black Sea region, dating back to Lord Palmerston's strategy in the Crimean War. The US aimed to dominate Eurasia by expanding NATO to countries like Ukraine, Georgia, and the Baltic states. This strategy, according to Sachs, was a significant factor in the escalation of the conflict.

Russia's Peace Efforts Disregarded

Sachs details the events in Ukraine, including the violent overthrow of President Yanukovych in 2014, which sparked the conflict in the eastern provinces. He emphasizes Russia's efforts to seek peace through the Minsk agreements, which called for autonomy for the Donbas region. However, the US and its allies disregarded these agreements and continued to support Ukraine militarily, escalating the conflict.

Missed Opportunities for Collective Security

In 2021, Putin proposed a Russia-US security agreement, which was rejected by the US. Sachs highlights this as a missed opportunity for promoting collective security in Europe. He also reflects on the possibility of Russia joining NATO in the past, which could have fostered a more stable security environment. However, the US's desire to maintain hegemony in Europe led to the continuation of NATO and the expansion of military bases in European countries.

The complexities of foreign policy

Sachs raises questions about Germany's willingness to host foreign troops on its soil for decades, suggesting that political and military influences play a significant role in such decisions. He points out the complexities of international relations and the power dynamics at play in shaping foreign policy decisions.

Critique of US Foreign Policy

He criticizes the lack of wisdom and leadership in US foreign policy, noting that the current administration is subservient to US interests and lacks the ability to engage in meaningful dialogue with other countries. Sachs emphasizes the need for negotiation and diplomacy, particularly in the context of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

He argues that the US's involvement in the region is driven by a desire to maintain hegemony and prevent closer economic ties between Germany and Russia. He criticizes the US government's role in escalating the conflict and calls for a more diplomatic approach to resolve the crisis.

Risk of Nuclear Conflict

The podcast delves into the provocations that have escalated tensions between Russia and the US, particularly the decision to push for Ukraine's entry into NATO. Sachs highlights the dangerous implications of such actions, noting that they have led to a war of attrition in Ukraine and put the world at risk of nuclear conflict.

Effectiveness of Sanctions on Russia

Sachs also discusses the economic impact of sanctions imposed on Russia, noting that they have not been as effective as anticipated. He points out that Russia has been able to circumvent the sanctions by redirecting its resources to other markets, highlighting the limitations of US economic power.

Individuals promoting regime change

Sachs highlights the role of individuals like Victoria Nuland in promoting regime change and interventionist policies in countries like Ukraine and Syria. He criticizes the shortsightedness of US foreign policy, particularly in relation to Syria, where efforts to overthrow Bashar al-Assad have led to prolonged conflict and the rise of extremist groups like ISIS.

Sachs Criticizes US Foreign Policy

The podcast explores the role of neoconservatives in shaping US foreign policy, with Sachs describing them as true believers who have driven the country into destructive and misguided conflicts. He criticizes the lack of transparency and accountability in US decision-making, noting that the American people are often kept in the dark about the true motivations behind US actions.

CIA Coups

He points out that the US has a history of using regime change as a tool to exert its influence globally, often leading to disastrous consequences. Sachs also discusses the role of the CIA in orchestrating coups and destabilizing governments. He cites the coup in Haiti in which the US Ambassador told the President to flee and provided a plane for him to escape to Central African Republic.

He also mentions the coup in Ukraine in 2014, where the US conspired with Ukrainian right-wing groups to overthrow President Yanukovich, who wanted neutrality. This led to a violent overthrow and the start of the war in Ukraine.

Lastly he mentions the potential coup in the United States involving the assassination of President Kennedy in 1963.

The Media's Role in Shaping Public Perception

Sachs also touches on the media's role in shaping public perception and holding the government accountable. He recounts a personal experience where he was censored on a mainstream news channel for suggesting that the US was behind the sabotage of the Nord Stream gas pipeline. He emphasizes the importance of speaking the truth and challenging official narratives, even if it goes against the mainstream narrative.

Origins of COVID-19: Deliberate Research Project

Sachs delves into the origins of COVID-19, suggesting that it likely originated from a deliberate research project rather than occurring naturally. He mentions a research proposal called 'Diffuse' submitted to the Department of Defense in 2018, outlining how to make the virus more infectious. The presence of a furin cleavage site in the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which enhances its infectivity, points to deliberate manipulation. Gain-of-function experiments, where viruses are manipulated to increase their infectiousness, have been ongoing, raising concerns about the potential for future pandemics.

The Cuban Missile Crisis: A Cautionary Tale

The discussion shifts to the Cuban Missile Crisis, a pivotal moment in history where the world came close to nuclear annihilation. Sachs recounts a lesser-known incident involving a disabled Soviet submarine during the crisis, which almost led to a full-scale nuclear war. The actions of a Soviet party official, Vasili Arkhipov, who prevented the firing of a nuclear torpedo, averted disaster.

The Importance of Diplomatic Engagement

The conversation touches on the need for diplomatic engagement to resolve conflicts and prevent further escalation. Sachs praises diplomats for their role in fostering communication and understanding between nations, highlighting the importance of dialogue in averting crises. He emphasizes the significance of leaders engaging directly with counterparts, such as President Biden speaking with President Putin, to de-escalate tensions and work towards peace.

Urgent Call for Diplomatic Solutions

Sachs reflects on the precarious state of international relations and the urgent need for proactive measures to prevent catastrophic events. He underscores the importance of staying away from the brink of disaster and pursuing diplomatic solutions to resolve conflicts. He urges leaders to prioritize peace and cooperation to safeguard the future of humanity.