John Mearsheimer and Glenn Diesen talk about the ongoing wars, Mayl 19, 2026
In this discussion, Mearsheimer makes a number of points leading up to the discussion of drones. First, he says that this is an existential fight for the Russians, and more and more it is an existential fight for the Ukrainians and even the Europeans. Why does he note this for the Russians first? The reason is that they are under attack by Europe via Ukraine; from the beginning that was the case (well, the Europeans and the Americans). This is exactly the scenario that occurred during WWII when they lost 27 million people defending their homeland. Second, he says that the West does not seem to honor any red lines. So, there is no way to set a clear boundary to the battle. Basically, there is no room for diplomacy.
This somewhat sets the background for the conversation about drones in the Ukraine war. That part of the conversation starts around minute ’21’ but the preceding context helps to make sense of what he is saying. This conversation reflects our concerns about the use of drones on the battlefield. Of course the use of military drones off the battlefield is not only a war crime, but a major accelerant for the conflict., (unfortunately the Ukrainians are doing this as well) and expands the battlefield. But even on the conventional battlefield, drones tip the scales in not necessarily clear ways, It seems to me that he is saying that drones will not help Ukraine to win the war. They have already lost. But they will drag out the fighting and make it more difficult to get to the end of fighting. But, I suggest you read and decide for yourself.
So if you have the time it is well worth listening to the entire interview, and if not, starting around 21 minutes, Mearsheimer makes some interesting comments on the effect of drones on the battlefield.