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A Ukrainian Philosopher on What Putin Never Understood About Ukraine

Summary, books mentioned, transcript quotes, and timestamps for A Ukrainian Philosopher on What Putin Never Understood About Ukraine on The Ezra Klein Show.

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A Ukrainian Philosopher on What Putin Never Understood About Ukraine mentions Crimea and about deportation of Crimean Tatars by Rory Thinin, The Gates of Europe by Serhii Bluhi, Ukraine Histories and Stories by Vladimir Yermolenko, and History of Chernobyl disaster by Serhii Bluhi with timestamps, quotes, and episode context.

3 books from this episode

I also can recommend, for example, from Cambridge, Rory Thinin, who published recently a book about Crimea and about deportation of Crimean Tatars an…

His History of Ukraine, The Gates of Europe, but also his history of Russia, the Lost Kingdom, history of Chernobyl disaster, many other books.

Vladimir Yermolenko is a Ukrainian philosopher and the editor of the 2019 book Ukraine Histories and Stories, which is a collection of essays by Ukra…

Episode summary
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is only getting more brutal: We’ve seen the bodies of civilians strewn in the streets in Bucha, the city of Mariupol almost leveled and, just a few days ago, a Russian missile attack on a crowded train station in Kramatorsk killing at least 50 people. The United Nations has confirmed 1,793 civilian deaths in Ukraine, though the actual number is thought to be far higher. Russia’s viciousness in this campaign makes Ukraine’s resilience all the more remarkable. Ukrainians have defied expectations in staving off Russia’s far larger army and holding cities like Kyiv that some believed might fall within days of an invasion. Much of the commentary in recent weeks has revolved around what this war has revealed about Russia: its myths, its military, its leadership, its threat. What’s no less important, though, is what this war has revealed about Ukraine. Ukrainians have modeled a deep commitment to self-determination and shown how far they would go to protect it. The Ukrainian philosopher and editor Volodymyr Yermolenko has written that “freedom is the key trait of Ukraine’s identity as a political nation,” and Ukraine’s resistance testifies to how deep that trait runs. Yermolenko is a philosopher, the editor in chief of UkraineWorld and the editor of the essay collection “Ukraine in Histories and Stories.” I invited Yermolenko onto the show to help me understand how Ukraine has defined itself in relation to the political behemoths to its east and west: Russia and Europe. Our conversation also explores what it has felt like to be in Kyiv as Russian troops have shelled the city, how definitions of time and home change during war, what has — and hasn’t — surprised Yermolenko about the Ukrainian resistance, what people in the West may not understand about the cultural differences between Ukraine and Russia, why Ukraine’s political structure makes it so difficult to conquer, how Ukraine is reminding the West why its republican and humanistic values matter, what Yermolenko would say to President Biden if he could and more. Mentioned: “Volodymyr Yermolenko, a Ukrainian philosopher, considers his national identity” by Volodymyr Yermolenko “Dreams of Europe” by Volodymyr Yermolenko Book Recommendations: “Ukraine in Histories and Stories” by Volodymyr Yermolenko “The Gates of Europe” by Serhii Plokhy “Lost Kingdom” by Serhii Plokhy “Chernobyl” by Serhii Plokhy “Blood of Others” by Rory Finnin Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at [email protected]. You can find transcripts (posted midday) and more episodes of “The Ezra Klein Show” at nytimes.com/ezra-klein-podcast, and you can find Ezra on Twitter @ezraklein. Book recommendations from all our guests are listed at https://www.nytimes.com/article/ezra-klein-show-book-recs. “The Ezra Klein Show” is produced by Annie Galvin, Jeff Geld and Rogé Karma; fact-checking by Michelle Harris, Kate Sinclair and Mary Marge Locker; original music by Isaac Jones; mixing by Jeff Geld; audience strategy by Shannon Busta. Our executive producer is Irene Noguchi. Special thanks to Kristin Lin and Kristina Samulewski.
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Crimea and about deportation of Crimean Tatars
Rory Thinin

The host mentioned Rory Thinin's book to emphasize the importance of understanding the historical context of Crimea a…

Card
The Gates of Europe
Serhii Bluhi

The host mentions 'The Gates of Europe' to highlight the importance of understanding Ukraine's historical context, es…

Card
Ukraine Histories and Stories
Vladimir Yermolenko

The host mentions 'Ukraine Histories and Stories' to provide deeper insights into Ukraine's historical context and it…

Card
History of Chernobyl disaster
Serhii Bluhi

The host emphasizes the importance of understanding Ukraine's history to grasp the current conflict with Russia. They…

Card
The Lost Kingdom
Serhii Bluhi

The host mentions 'The Lost Kingdom' to highlight the importance of understanding Ukraine's historical context, parti…

Card
Ukraine in Histories and Stories

The host mentions 'Ukraine in Histories and Stories' to highlight the evolving perception of Ukraine in the West, par…

Card
Dreams of Europe

The host mentions 'Dreams of Europe' to illustrate the complex relationship between Ukraine and European values, emph…

Card
Book mentions7
Media mentions0
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What is A Ukrainian Philosopher on What Putin Never Understood About Ukraine about?

Summary, books mentioned, transcript quotes, and timestamps for A Ukrainian Philosopher on What Putin Never Understood About Ukraine on The Ezra Klein Show.

What are the main takeaways from A Ukrainian Philosopher on What Putin Never Understood About Ukraine?

These are the strongest takeaways surfaced by the transcript, summary copy, and linked mentions for A Ukrainian Philosopher on What Putin Never Understood About Ukraine.

  • The conversation centers on Understanding Ukraine's history.
  • A second recurring theme is context of Ukraine's resistance.
  • Referenced books include Crimea and about deportation of Crimean Tatars by Rory Thinin and The Gates of Europe by Serhii Bluhi.
  • The strongest audience signal points to Individuals seeking to understand Ukraine and Eastern European history and Individuals seeking to understand Ukraine and Eastern Europe.

Which books are mentioned in A Ukrainian Philosopher on What Putin Never Understood About Ukraine?

Crimea and about deportation of Crimean Tatars by Rory Thinin, The Gates of Europe by Serhii Bluhi, and Ukraine Histories and Stories by Vladimir Yermolenko are the clearest linked books in this episode, each tied back to transcript timestamps and quote cards.

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Topic and sentiment signals

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Mention sentiment
Highly Recommended(5)Deep Dive(2)
Audience signals
Individuals seeking to understand Ukraine and Eastern European historyIndividuals seeking to understand Ukraine and Eastern EuropeAnyone interested in understanding Ukraine's history and current geopolitical situation.Individuals seeking to understand Ukraine and its historical context.Readers interested in Ukrainian history and Eastern European studiesReaders interested in geopolitics and Eastern European history

Books Mentioned

The full list below is ranked by how useful each mention is to a listener: stronger recommendation language, clearer quote context, and better timestamp support rise first.

Crimea and about deportation of Crimean Tatars cover
Best for Individuals seeking to understand Ukraine and Eastern European historyOften cited around understanding Ukraine and Crimea

I also can recommend, for example, from Cambridge, Rory Thinin, who published recently a book about Crimea and about deportation of Crimean Tatars and about Stalin and about Crimean Tatar literature.

View mention details
Sentiment: Highly Recommended
For: Individuals seeking to understand Ukraine and Eastern European history
Key quote: I also can recommend, for example, from Cambridge, Rory Thinin, who published recently a book about Crimea and about deportation of Crimean Tatars and about Stalin and about Crimean Tatar literature.
The host mentioned Rory Thinin's book to emphasize the importance of understanding the historical context of Crimea and the deportation of Crimean Tatars. This knowledge is crucial for anyone looking to grasp the complexities of Ukraine's current situation and its history.
Direct Amazon listing · affiliate link
Check price
The Gates of Europe cover
Best for Individuals seeking to understand Ukraine and Eastern EuropeOften cited around Understanding Ukraine's history

It's the book of Harvard's Ukrainian Studies Research Institute. His History of Ukraine, The Gates of Europe, but also his history of Russia, the Lost Kingdom, history of Chernobyl disaster, many other books.

View mention details
Sentiment: Highly Recommended
For: Individuals seeking to understand Ukraine and Eastern Europe
Key quote: His History of Ukraine, The Gates of Europe, but also his history of Russia, the Lost Kingdom, history of Chernobyl disaster, many other books.
The host mentions 'The Gates of Europe' to highlight the importance of understanding Ukraine's historical context, especially for those unfamiliar with the region. This book, along with others by Serhii Bluhi, provides valuable insights into Ukraine's past and its current situation.
Direct Amazon listing · affiliate link
Check price
Ukraine Histories and Stories cover
Best for Anyone interested in understanding Ukraine's history and current geopolitical situation.Often cited around context of Ukraine's resistance

A collection of essays by Ukrainian intellectuals that offers insights on Ukraine's deep past and recent history, highly recommended for understanding the current situation.

View mention details
Sentiment: Highly Recommended
For: Anyone interested in understanding Ukraine's history and current geopolitical situation.
Key quote: Vladimir Yermolenko is a Ukrainian philosopher and the editor of the 2019 book Ukraine Histories and Stories, which is a collection of essays by Ukrainian intellectuals that I highly, highly recommend reading right now.
The host mentions 'Ukraine Histories and Stories' to provide deeper insights into Ukraine's historical context and its ongoing struggle against Russian aggression. This book is particularly relevant as it captures the essence of Ukraine's identity and resistance through essays by Ukrainian intellectuals.
Direct Amazon listing · affiliate link
Check price
History of Chernobyl disaster cover
Best for Individuals seeking to understand Ukraine and its historical context.Often cited around Understanding Ukraine's history

His History of Ukraine, The Gates of Europe, but also his history of Russia, the Lost Kingdom, history of Chernobyl disaster, many other books.

View mention details
Sentiment: Highly Recommended
For: Individuals seeking to understand Ukraine and its historical context.
Key quote: Other is, of course, the works by Serhii Bluhi, who is a Harvard University professor of history and director of the University of Ukraine.
The host emphasizes the importance of understanding Ukraine's history to grasp the current conflict with Russia. They mention Serhii Bluhi's 'History of Chernobyl disaster' as a significant work that provides insight into Ukraine's past.
Direct Amazon listing · affiliate link
Check price
The Lost Kingdom cover
The Lost Kingdom
Serhii Bluhi
Best for Readers interested in Ukrainian history and Eastern European studiesOften cited around Understanding Ukraine's history

His History of Ukraine, The Gates of Europe, but also his history of Russia, the Lost Kingdom, history of Chernobyl disaster, many other books.

View mention details
Sentiment: Highly Recommended
For: Readers interested in Ukrainian history and Eastern European studies
Key quote: Other is, of course, the works by Serhii Bluhi, who is a Harvard University professor of history and director of the University of Ukraine.
The host mentions 'The Lost Kingdom' to highlight the importance of understanding Ukraine's historical context, particularly in relation to Russia. This book, along with others by Serhii Bluhi, provides valuable insights for those unfamiliar with Ukraine's past and its current struggles.
Direct Amazon listing · affiliate link
Check price
Ukraine in Histories and Stories cover
Best for Readers interested in geopolitics and Eastern European historyOften cited around Ukraine's relationship with Europe

It's available on Amazon. Other is, of course, the works by Serhii Bluhi, who is a Harvard University professor of history and director of the University of Ukraine.

View mention details
Sentiment: Deep Dive
For: Readers interested in geopolitics and Eastern European history
Key quote: Reading from the vantage point of this moment, where Ukraine has become this great cause in the West, the frustration towards the West of even a couple of years ago.
The host mentions 'Ukraine in Histories and Stories' to highlight the evolving perception of Ukraine in the West, particularly in relation to European values and identity. The book provides insights into the historical context that shapes current attitudes towards Ukraine and its struggle against Russian aggression.
Direct Amazon listing · affiliate link
Check price
Dreams of Europe cover
Best for Readers interested in European politics and Ukrainian historyOften cited around Ukrainian identity and Europe

An essay written in 2014 that addresses Europe's lack of belief in itself and the challenges faced in the relationship with Ukraine.

View mention details
Sentiment: Deep Dive
For: Readers interested in European politics and Ukrainian history
Key quote: I tried to explain as early in 2014, when I wrote an essay, Dreams of Europe, when I tried to say that Europe does not believe in itself.
The host mentions 'Dreams of Europe' to illustrate the complex relationship between Ukraine and European values, emphasizing the perception of disinterest from Europe towards Ukraine. The book serves as a reflection on how Europe has struggled with its own identity and the importance of defending democratic values, especially in light of Ukraine's aspirations.
Direct Amazon listing · affiliate link
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Crimea and about deportation of Crimean Tatars
The Ezra Klein Show · 46:46
I also can recommend, for example, from Cambridge, Rory Thinin, who published recently a book about Crimea and about deportation of Crimean Tatars an…
The Gates of Europe
The Ezra Klein Show · 45:49
His History of Ukraine, The Gates of Europe, but also his history of Russia, the Lost Kingdom, history of Chernobyl disaster, many other books.
Ukraine Histories and Stories
The Ezra Klein Show · 1:31
Vladimir Yermolenko is a Ukrainian philosopher and the editor of the 2019 book Ukraine Histories and Stories, which is a collection of essays by Ukra…
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Crimea and about deportation of Crimean Tatars cover
Mentioned at 46:46
Crimea and about deportation of Crimean Tatars
Rory Thinin

The host mentioned Rory Thinin's book to emphasize the importance of understanding the historical context of Crimea and the deportation of Crimean…

Direct Amazon listing · affiliate link
The Gates of Europe cover
Mentioned at 45:49
The Gates of Europe
Serhii Bluhi

The host mentions 'The Gates of Europe' to highlight the importance of understanding Ukraine's historical context, especially for those unfamiliar…

Direct Amazon listing · affiliate link
Ukraine Histories and Stories cover
Mentioned at 1:31
Ukraine Histories and Stories
Vladimir Yermolenko

The host mentions 'Ukraine Histories and Stories' to provide deeper insights into Ukraine's historical context and its ongoing struggle against Rus…

Direct Amazon listing · affiliate link

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