415 Serhii Plokhy

Serhii Plokhy

Academic

Serhii Mykolayovych Plokhy is the Mykhailo Hrushevsky professor of Ukrainian history at Harvard University, where he also serves as the director of the Harvard Ukrainian Research Institute.

Source: Wikipedia

  • Born: 1957 , Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
  • Education: Oles Honchar Dnipro National University (1980) and Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv

The Main Arguments

  • Complexity of the Soviet Union's Collapse: Plokhy argues that the dissolution of the Soviet Union was not merely an ideological failure but a multifaceted event influenced by geography, economics, and nationalism. This perspective situates the Soviet collapse within a historical pattern of empire disintegration, suggesting that such events are not unique but rather part of a recurring theme in history.

  • Ukraine's Pivotal Role: The episode highlights Ukraine's independence referendum in December 1991 as a crucial moment that significantly weakened the Soviet Union. Plokhy emphasizes Ukraine's importance in the geopolitical landscape of the former Soviet states, illustrating how its independence shaped post-Soviet dynamics.

  • Putin's Historical Narrative: Plokhy discusses Putin's framing of the Soviet collapse as a tragedy, which reflects his desire for a unified Russian state. This narrative is interpreted as an attempt to legitimize contemporary Russian nationalism and imperial ambitions, particularly concerning Russian-speaking populations in former Soviet territories.

  • NATO as a Justification for War: The conversation addresses how Russia uses NATO's expansion as a justification for its aggression towards Ukraine. Plokhy argues that while NATO is a concern for Russia, it is not the primary cause of the war, which is rooted in historical contexts of empire disintegration and the desire to maintain influence over Ukraine.

  • Nuclear Safety Concerns: Plokhy raises alarms about the dangers posed by warfare near nuclear sites, particularly referencing the situations at Chernobyl and Zaporizhzhia. He emphasizes that no nuclear reactor is designed to withstand direct missile attacks, highlighting the potential for catastrophic accidents in the context of ongoing conflict.

  • Cultural and Linguistic Identity: The episode discusses the significance of language and culture in shaping national identity, particularly in Ukraine's bilingual landscape. Plokhy notes a shift towards a stronger Ukrainian identity among younger generations, especially in response to the ongoing conflict.

  • Future of Global Order: Plokhy reflects on how the war in Ukraine is reshaping the global order, drawing parallels to the Cold War. He suggests that the conflict has awakened a united Western response and has implications for the emerging multipolar world, particularly concerning the dynamics between the U.S., China, and Russia.

Notable Quotes

  • On the Soviet Union's Collapse: "The Soviet collapse was unique, but not more unique than the collapse of any other empire." This quote underscores the idea that the Soviet Union's disintegration is part of a larger historical pattern.

  • On Ukraine's Role: "If Ukraine is gone, Russia is not interested in this Soviet project." This highlights Ukraine's significance in the Soviet Union's structure and its eventual dissolution.

  • On Putin's Tragedy: "For Putin, the biggest tragedy is not the loss of life, the biggest tragedy is the loss of the great power status." This encapsulates Putin's perspective on the Soviet collapse and its implications for Russian identity.

  • On Nuclear Safety: "We are in a situation where we are not done yet with the nuclear accidents." This statement emphasizes the ongoing risks associated with nuclear power in conflict zones.

  • On NATO's Role: "What happened later in the year 2022 and 2023 certainly confirms me in that belief." This illustrates the irony of Russia's concerns about NATO expansion leading to increased NATO presence on its borders.

  • On Nationalism: "Nationalism is the principle according to which the cultural boundaries coincide with political boundaries." This succinctly defines the essence of nationalism and its implications for statehood.

  • On Leadership During Crisis: "The leadership... were very different. Age, education, political careers, understanding what politics are and so on and so forth." This highlights the importance of leadership in navigating crises, particularly during the Cold War.

Relevant Topics or Themes

  • Historical Empires and Nationalism: The episode discusses the collapse of empires, particularly the Soviet Union and the Russian Empire, and how nationalism emerged as a powerful force in shaping modern states. Plokhy connects the historical context of empire disintegration to contemporary issues in Ukraine and Russia.

  • Ukrainian Identity and Nationalism: Plokhy explores the evolution of Ukrainian nationalism, particularly through historical figures like Stepan Bandera. He discusses how different interpretations of nationalism have influenced Ukraine's political landscape and its struggle for independence.

  • Geopolitical Dynamics: The conversation touches on the geopolitical implications of the Soviet collapse, particularly regarding NATO and Russia's current aggression towards Ukraine. Plokhy emphasizes the importance of understanding historical context in analyzing contemporary conflicts.

  • Nuclear Safety and Energy Politics: Plokhy raises concerns about the safety of nuclear power plants in conflict zones, particularly in light of the ongoing war in Ukraine. He discusses the potential for catastrophic accidents and the political implications of relying on nuclear energy to combat climate change.

  • Memory and Historical Narratives: The episode highlights the role of memory and historical narratives in shaping national identities. Plokhy discusses how different interpretations of history can lead to conflicting national narratives, particularly in the context of Ukraine and Russia.

  • Propaganda and Political Discourse: Plokhy critiques the use of historical narratives in contemporary propaganda, particularly the concept of "denazification." He argues that such narratives serve to simplify complex historical realities for political gain.

  • Future of Global Order: The discussion concludes with reflections on the future of the global order in light of the war in Ukraine. Plokhy emphasizes the need for a nuanced understanding of history to navigate the challenges ahead, particularly in the context of emerging multipolar dynamics.