Why do Trump and Putin get along so well? | Michael McFaul | TEDxStanford

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Published 2017-06-02
During his tenure as U.S. Ambassador to Russia under President Obama, Stanford Political Science Professor Michael McFaul lived with death threats against him and his family. Since returning to the U.S., McFaul has been banned from returning to Russia, but at home he is one of the most sought-after observers of what he calls the Trump-Putin “Bromance.” His take on Russia today is both insightful and troubling. But as he says, “Diplomacy is not a popularity contest.”

Michael McFaul is Professor of Political Science, Director and Senior Fellow at the Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies, and the Peter and Helen Bing Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institution. Dr. McFaul served for five years in the Obama administration, first as Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for Russian and Eurasian Affairs at the National Security Council at the White House (2009-2012), and then as U.S. Ambassador to the Russian Federation (2012-2014). He has authored several books, including Advancing Democracy Abroad: Why We Should, How We Can and, with Kathryn Stoner, Transition.

This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx
All Comments (21)
  • @vvmilne2663
    Well, in 2022 we now know where this is all going.
  • @jameslee5520
    Now . 4 years later. And after the criminal invasion of Ukraine I still cannot remember a single instance Trump talking about democracy or human rights in a positive way. Not once.
  • @dorisaffissio1649
    True, he doesn't speak about democracy or human rights but I never heard him talk about gun control or rights to abortion, what kind of a Republican is that? All he really talks about is himself and a a a little about the wall.
  • @bbear753
    This video was done 4 years ago. Still rings true in 2022. But is there anyone who is listening?
  • @thomasburgi7862
    would be nice to hear his thoughts now after what happens in ukrain
  • @JosefSamuel
    Keep your friends close, keep your enemies closer
  • @leftofleftdebi8123
    If I didn't know this TED talk was from 2017, I would easily think it was from today's news. We have had plenty of notice.
  • @MarkGast
    Why do Trump and Putin get along so well? Because they are both autocrats. One knows what he is doing and the other doesn't.
  • @chrissnape9537
    Anytime I see your face on TV, I listen. I am Canadian, and I believe you speak the truth
  • @Darqice
    This speech is still on point in March 2022 during Russian invasion of Ukraine!
  • @Philjj61
    A psychopath will look very very good until you go against them, then they will continue interactions until they drain your well dry. The plan will be well in place before you met, in fact that's usually why you get together. They have a personal plan and they cannot deal with emotions outside of that so they change the outside. The perks of power.