People in the West often misunderstand Russia’s motivation for the war in Ukraine. They assume Putin is concerned with territorial expansion or gaining material advantages, and they miss the ideological dimensions.In this video, I take a step back and discuss Russia’s reasons for fighting and the importance of the almost mystical idea of Russia’s greatness. Paradoxically, Russia might be closer to “greatness” while the war is going on than if it ends in a peace settlement. 0:00 Intro0:41 Russian adhocracy1:21 Putin’s ideology2:15 Great powers and small states3:51 A defensive war4:39 Ceasefire or continuing war?5:44 Why Putin rejected Trump’s offer7:59 Greatness requires war9:43 What deal will Putin accept?