From Clinton to Bush: The Policies & Broken Promises That Created Modern Russia - LCI "Provoked" Book Club Week 2

The LCI Greenroom: Open & Unscripted

In this episode of the LCI Green Room, Jacob Winograd, alongside Sean and Mark, continues week two of the Provoked Book Club, diving into Scott Horton’s meticulously detailed book on U.S. foreign policy. Joined by guest Kyle Anzalone, the discussion focuses on the devastating consequences of American-led foreign interventionism, specifically its role in shaping post-Cold War Russia and NATO expansion. The episode critiques the so-called “shock therapy” economic reforms implemented in Russia, highlighting the devastating hyperinflation and corruption that followed. The conversation also explores the origins of Vladimir Putin’s rise to power, tracing it to the U.S.-backed mismanagement of Russia’s economy and the humiliation of its people.

The team examines the patterns of U.S. meddling through color revolutions in Eastern Europe, revealing how economic and political manipulation served Western interests while exacerbating tensions with Russia. The episode underscores NATO's growing footprint in the region and its implications for U.S.-Russia relations. With a mix of historical insight and sharp critiques, the hosts argue that these provocations have fueled ongoing global conflicts, emphasizing the need for a critical reexamination of American foreign policy.