Supporting Ukraine is not charity but national interest because: (1) it demonstrates to other US allies (Taiwan, etc.) that the US will defend democracies against autocratic aggression, and (2) allowing Putin to consolidate gains now will make future conflicts more likely and more costly, so supporting Ukraine now prevents larger future conflicts.
causalpending
Speaker
Bret StephensEvidence Quote
“we have a vital National interest in showing that we are prepared to defend embattled democracies in the face of this kind of aggression not just for the sake of ukrainians but for the sake of whoever it is that autocrats like Putin but also ji want to attack next so ji is looking very carefully at the outcome of Ukraine [16:13]”
Source
What Happened to the Republican Party?: A Conversation with Bret Stephens (Episode #329)— Sam HarrisCreated: 8/12/2026, 9:43:35 PM
My Notes
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