This episode explores the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day, examining its historical significance and contemporary relevance, particularly in light of the ongoing war in Ukraine and shifting geopolitical alliances. It begins by highlighting how the Soviet Union initially celebrated VE Day as a people's victory, which Stalin later transformed into a source of resentment against the West. Against the backdrop of current events, Putin has revived this narrative, using the memory of Soviet sacrifice to legitimize his rule and the war in Ukraine, though polling suggests only a minority of Russians actively support territorial expansion. The discussion pivots to the Allied powers, noting the decline of European influence relative to America and China, while France has re-emerged as a central player in European security, especially within NATO. More significantly, the episode reflects on how VE Day is commemorated in Britain, marked by nostalgia and a sense of national pride, even as the generation that experienced the war firsthand fades from view. The episode concludes by considering how VE Day, as a geopolitical event, is now used to capture past glories and reinforce national identities in a changing world order, with echoes of this sentiment found even in American political discourse.
