The US is hypocritical in its treatment of Russia when it comes to NATO expansion and security concerns, while also acknowledging President Putin as a thug. Previously, the US did not recognize any security externality for Russia if Ukraine joined NATO.
The hosts argue over the policy of standing up to dictators who invade other countries and the explanation behind Russia's aggression towards other countries.
The US has long recognized that Putin is a thug, and that Russia's security would be threatened if Ukraine were allowed to join NATO. The US has, however, refused to consider this same security externality when it comes to Russia's aggressions towards Ukraine.