April 12, 2026

SP/FS Bonus: What About Russian Soft Power? (Dr. Michael Slobodchikoff)

Show Notes

Pro tip: If an adversarial country's primary rhetorical strategy is "What Aboutism," maybe don't give them so much ammunition...

This special bonus episode of SP/FS features Troy University professor Michael Slobodchikoff, an expert on US-Russia relations. He pays particular attention to Russia's soft power efforts. In this fascinating conversation, he shares the history and distinct differences between US and Russian soft power. Our conversation goes from the Soviet Union to the modern day, and how Russia's most significant achievement may actually be the US pressing pause on its own soft power efforts. (Updated to include the implications of the US war in Iran.)

Dr. Michael O. Slobodchikoff is a leading political scientist and expert on U.S.-Russia relations, international diplomacy, and global security. His research focuses on the dynamics of international alliances, treaty networks, and the geopolitical tensions surrounding NATO expansion. A respected professor and author, Dr. Slobodchikoff has published extensively on conflict resolution, great power politics, and Russian foreign policy, with notable works including Strategic Cooperation: Overcoming the Barriers of Global Anarchy and Building Hegemonic Order Russia's Way. His expertise on international treaties and negotiation strategies makes him a sought-after voice in understanding the complexities of U.S.-Russia relations and the evolving global political landscape.

For more about Michael Slobodchikoff, visit his website HERE.