creator cover Mark Sleboda
Mark Sleboda

Mark Sleboda 

International Relations and Security Analyst

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414posts

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International Affairs & Security Analysis, Discussion of Current Events & International Relations from a Realist, Russian, and Multipolar Perspective
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Jun 04 21:31
3
Hey Mark, have been watching you for a while, for years in fact, primarily in youtube videos by Garland, Nima etc. Since I have just missed the weekly Q&A, i would like to ask the question here, since it is directly related to video you have made with Garland: You have been mentioning this "mathematical box" that Russia is trying to stay in wrt to the conflict in Ukraine. But since the europeans have wasted vast amounts of its interceptor stocks to Ukraine and also transferred vast amounts of actual air defense systems, they should be very weakly defended. Why does Russia not decide to perform decisive strikes against key military transport hubs in europe, or drone factories to show the west: "You are not invincible, and your article 5. does not scare us". I personally, just like Karaganov do not think they will dare to invoke article 5. Would now, out of all the times, be the best time to scare them off ? Can Russia not take it?
Jun 04 23:54 (changed)
1
To expand this slightly more: Like you said, the dirty war is expected to become ever dirtier and ever nastier. At some point, however, the "dirty tricks" can definitely become a strategic level threat: We have had attacks on the Russian STRATEGIC BOMBERS in 2025 (this by itself, according to the nuclear doctrine should warrant a nuclear response). (or in 2024 when an early warning radar was attacked) We have had attacks on Russian soil with British storm shadows and French scalps. This again, according to the updated nuclear doctrine (2024 I think) warrants a nuclear response. (when a nuclear power state provides deep rear strike capability to a non nuclear state). How does Russia plan on being taken seriously if the west keeps proving, time and time again that Russia can be attacked without serious repercussions. In Europe, there is massive euphoria about Ukraine's new drone capabilities and how tide is being turned, how starlinks are render Russian el. warfare obsolete etc. 
Jun 05 18:13
Jun 03 23:27
The Real Politick - Community Weekly Q&A - Episode 53 - 03/06/26
The Real Politick - Community Weekly Q&A - Episode 53 - 03/06/26
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Jun 02 22:39

Taking Your Questions for Your Weekly Q&A

Hey @everyone I will be taping your weekly Q&A tomorrow evening Moscow time 03/06/26. If you have any questions for me, please post them here or on the Discord Community in the Weekly Q&A chennel.
3
One more sort of related question. I was at a graduation party in Hanford, CA, a small city in the middle of the San Joaquin Valley, and pulled aside a third generation farmer I've known for years. I asked him how much more he was paying for fertilizer since Trump started the war with Iran. He told me he's paying 150% more and its rising daily. Not that it should be sent to us, but can the global shortfall be made up by Russia and/or any other fertilizer producing countries that don't rely on the Persian Gulf supply chain?
Jun 03 06:39 (changed)
Just a related comment. The farmer I mentioned in my question knows beyond any shadow of doubt that Trump and the US government are responsible for the fertilizer hyper inflation.
Jun 03 06:44
Jun 02 06:25
The Real Politick - In Focus - Episode 53 - 01/06/26 - The War on Iran: Week 14
The Real Politick - In Focus - Episode 53 - 01/06/26 - The War on Iran: Week 14 Exclusive content for The Real Politick subscribers
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May 30 07:29
The Real Politick - Week-in-Review - Episode 52 - 29/05/26
The Real Politick - Week-in-Review - Episode 52 - 29/05/26
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May 28 22:27

Gloves Off?

Gloves Off?
My latest geopolitical soapbox rant with Garland Nixon 28/05/26
https://www.youtube.com/live/rGVJ2tF7ph4?si=_j3j3b7sr4fnwcVr
May 28 00:16
The Real Politick - Community Weekly Q&A - Episode 52 - 27/05/26
The Real Politick - Community Weekly Q&A - Episode 52 - 27/05/26
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May 26 22:20

Taking Your Questions for Your Weekly Q&A

Hey @everyone I will be taping your weekly Q&A tomorrow evening Moscow time 27/05/26. If you have any questions for me, please post them here or on the Discord Community in the Weekly Q&A chennel.
3
Thanks once again Mark for your insights. Theories abound with regard to the RU warnings re: attacks on Ukraine and particularly Kiev in future. 1. The Kremlin is capitulating to public opinion. 2. The Kremlin is now as angry as the public. 3. China has given the RU its blessing. 4. The recent attacks on RU energy infrastructure were far more damaging than you have told us. (I don’t believe this, but it’s out there.) 5. This was going to happen anyway, after the mud season ceased, and it just happened to coincide with Ukrainian atrocities. A combination? Something else? Again, thank you.
May 27 00:28
2
Hi Mark, could you give a quick rundown on how recruitment numbers are going vs battlefield losses? I keep hearing the usual BS about Russia not being able to keep up with the losses, and its hard to find credible sources to refute/confirm it here in the heart of Narrativeland. Also, like Andrew, I'd like some info on exactly how much effect these refinery hits are doing. Thanks.
May 27 04:42
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*After 3 months of subscription at this level, recurring, you may schedule a 15 minute private interview via Zoom video or Audio with Mark for Q&A, discussion, or to express your opinion on a subject, as you wish.

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*Access to Exclusive Content on the Real Politick Boosty Page
*Access to the Real Politick Community Discord Channel for In-house Discussion and Debate
* After 3 months of subscription at this level, recurring, you may schedule a 15 minute private interview via Zoom video or Audio with Mark for Q&A, discussion, or to express your opinion on a subject, as you wish.  
*After 3 months of subscription at this level, recurring, you may choose the topic of one of my upcoming Exclusive In Focus Videos
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