Story perspectives

Leaders' Beliefs Shape Geopolitics, Warns Expert McDermott

1/20/2026

Summary

Story summary

International Relations professor Rose McDermott argues that individual leaders significantly shape geopolitics.
She cites Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine and U.S. President Donald Trump's actions in Venezuela to illustrate how leaders' beliefs and psychologies influence decision-making.
She warns that relying solely on systemic models can lead to catastrophic miscalculations in international relations.
Understanding the motivations of influential figures is crucial for accurately interpreting contemporary geopolitical dynamics.

History

Historical Context

The Cold War, lasting from 1947 to 1991, ended with the dissolution of the Soviet Union, a process accelerated by Mikhail Gorbachev's reforms and the Revolutions of 1989. Key events included the Malta Summit in 1989, where Gorbachev and George H.W. Bush declared a new partnership. Today, leaders like Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump continue to shape global geopolitics, echoing past tensions.

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Story summary

International Relations professor Rose McDermott argues that individual leaders significantly shape geopolitics.
She cites Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine and U.S. President Donald Trump's actions in Venezuela to illustrate how leaders' beliefs and psychologies influence decision-making.
She warns that relying solely on systemic models can lead to catastrophic miscalculations in international relations.
Understanding the motivations of influential figures is crucial for accurately interpreting contemporary geopolitical dynamics.

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