Summary of Riley Waggaman: A view from Russia | Tom Nelson Pod #252

00:00:00 - 00:55:00

In the "Riley Waggaman: A view from Russia" podcast episode, Tom Nelson discusses Waggaman's experiences living in Russia for over a decade and his perspectives on various issues, including censorship, climate change, and digital currency . Waggaman shares his observations on the Russian approach to climate change policies, noting the government's openness to the idea but the uncertainty of its implementation. He also touches on the Russian perspective on climate change, stating that most Russians are not invested in the climate change agenda. Waggaman expresses skepticism towards UN consensus decisions and Russia's role in global government. He also discusses the complexities of Russia's political landscape, the conflict in Ukraine, and the potential involvement of digital currency in controlling citizens' lifestyles under the guise of climate change initiatives. Waggaman encourages listeners to focus on the things in life that bring joy despite the chaos.

• 00:00:00 In this section of the podcast, Riley Waggaman shares his experiences living in Russia for over a decade, moving from the southern Euro region to Moscow during the Ukraine crisis. He currently blogs about various issues related to Russia, including health policy, technocracy, and Russia's stance on climate change. Waggaman discusses the censorship and freedom of speech in Russia, noting that while there is a constitutional guarantee, it is often ignored, and people can be arbitrarily punished for their speech. Social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram are blocked, and he uses a VPN to access them. Despite the potential risks, Waggaman has had good exposure to podcasts and has been a guest on several, including those hosted by Ian Davis, Whitney Web's Unlimited Hangout, and James Corbett. He is not a self-promoter but appreciates being invited to podcasts and enjoys breaking out of his internet bubble to discuss topics with new people. Waggaman also touches on the Russian perspective on climate change, stating that most Russians are not interested in or believe in the climate change agenda.
• 00:05:00 In this section of the "Riley Waggaman: A view from Russia" podcast episode, Tom Nelson discusses Russia's approach to climate change policies. Waggaman explains that while the Russian population is skeptical of climate change initiatives, the government is open to the idea and even considering implementing its own carbon taxing system. However, the success of these initiatives is uncertain, as Russia's government actions do not always align with its stated intentions. Waggaman also mentions that Russia's state-controlled media, such as Channel One, Toss, and RT, primarily promote a pro-Russian narrative and are not overly critical of the government.
• 00:10:00 In this section of the "Riley Waggaman: A view from Russia" podcast episode, Tom Nelson discusses the climate change narrative in Russia. While there are smaller alternative news websites and Telegram channels providing insight into Russian affairs, the average Russian isn't as invested in climate change hysteria as people in the West. The Russian government, academics, and scientists have accepted the climate change narrative but are trying to find ways to continue investing in fossil fuels, which is a significant industry in the country. Russia promotes nuclear energy as a clean alternative. The town of Saken Island in the Far East is experimenting with creating a carbon-neutral city, but it's still at a small scale. The Russian government aims to be carbon neutral by 2060, but it remains to be seen how they will achieve this goal while continuing to rely on fossil fuels.
• 00:15:00 In this section of the "Riley Waggaman: A view from Russia" podcast episode, Tom Nelson discusses the possibility of Russia using digital currency and biometric payments to control citizens' lifestyles under the guise of climate change initiatives. Waggaman explains that the building blocks for such a system are already in place, with electronic tickets and biometric payments for school lunches being examples. He also mentions the rapid expansion of biometric payment kiosks in Russia, despite most places still accepting cash. Waggaman believes that within a decade, biometric payments could become the norm, conditioning the younger generation to accept this form of payment as safe and convenient.
• 00:20:00 In this section of the "Riley Waggaman: A view from Russia" podcast episode, Tom Nelson discusses the widespread use of digital payments and contactless payment systems in Russia, particularly in St. Petersburg where cash is no longer accepted for public transportation. He notes that Russians love iPhones as a status symbol and the use of digital versions of debit and credit cards on smartphones is gaining traction. Russia has adopted a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC), called the digital Ruble, which is planned to be introduced into the economy starting in 2025. However, the success of the CBDC depends on the Russian government's ability to push it on the population, possibly by issuing pensions and salaries through the system. The average Russian may not be aware of the dangers of CBDCs due to other priorities in their lives.
• 00:25:00 In this section of the "Riley Waggaman: A view from Russia" podcast episode, Tom Nelson discusses the issue of inflation and money printing in Russia. Contrary to popular belief, the money supply in Russia is decreasing due to high-interest rates, making it difficult for individuals to take out loans and create new debt. However, Russia is currently experiencing a large deficit and creating money out of nowhere to pay for military expenditures in the conflict in Ukraine. Despite the decreasing money supply, inflation remains a problem, particularly in food prices. The speaker argues that Russia's economic policies and monetary practices are not significantly different from those of the rest of the world.
• 00:30:00 In this section of the "Riley Waggaman: A view from Russia" podcast episode, Tom Nelson discusses the unexpected longevity of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, which began in February 2022, and the lack of concern among Russians. He shares anecdotes of his Russian acquaintance who lives near the fighting in the Donbas region and how Russians seem more focused on their daily lives than the geopolitical tensions. The conversation then shifts to the topic of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives in Russia. Despite the geopolitical tensions with the West, Russia is still pursuing ESG compliance, with companies like Sparbank leading the way. The Russian government and corporations attend forums, such as the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum and the Eastern Economic Forum, to discuss ESG compliance and green initiatives. Waggaman expresses skepticism towards the importance and effectiveness of these initiatives, believing they are based on the climate change narrative, which he considers to be a scam. He also mentions that Russia is trying to be a responsible trading partner with China and India by embracing ESG, even though it is not a formal UN vote or resolution.
• 00:35:00 In this section of the "Riley Waggaman: A view from Russia" podcast episode, Tom Nelson discusses Russia's objections to UN consensus decisions despite being in agreement, using the example of a document called C40 cities that aims for zero meat, dairy, and new clothing by 2030. Waggaman expresses his skepticism towards the UN and its functioning, questioning its purpose if this is how it operates. He also shares his belief that Russia is fully on board with the UN's agenda but wants a bigger role in global government. The Russian Minister of Economic Development, according to Waggaman, believes that the climate agenda will help mend international relations. The conversation then shifts to Bitcoin, with Waggaman explaining that while there are regulations on its use in Russia, it is not banned outright.
• 00:40:00 In this section of the YouTube video titled "Riley Waggaman: A view from Russia | Tom Nelson Pod #252", the speaker discusses the Russian government's potential involvement in Bitcoin mining and the perception of Russian President Vladimir Putin in the West. Putin is often portrayed as a villain or a champion, but the speaker argues that he is neither. Instead, Putin is described as a politician who stays in power by any means necessary and is not motivated by a particular ideology. The speaker also mentions the lack of investment in politics among Russians, who understand that they do not live in a democracy. The conversation then shifts to the topic of elections in Russia, which are described as rigged and staged. The speaker also discusses the lack of choice in Russian elections and the long-term question of who will succeed Putin when he eventually steps down. Local voting for governors and regional offices is possible, but Russia operates under a one-party system.
• 00:45:00 In this section of the YouTube video titled "Riley Waggaman: A view from Russia | Tom Nelson Pod #252", Riley Waggaman discusses the political landscape in Russia and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. He explains that while there are smaller political parties in Russia, such as the Communist party, they are considered part of the systemic opposition as they always vote with the ruling United Russia party. Waggaman expresses concern over the situation in Ukraine, stating that it might not end until more people die. He also shares his perspective that Putin may want to end the conflict but is trapped due to Russia's declaration of certain Ukrainian territories as Russian territory and the ongoing occupation of these areas by Ukrainian military. Waggaman questions the value of US taxpayer funding for the conflict and expresses skepticism over the possibility of a resolution that would benefit Russia more than the pre-war conditions. He also mentions the corruption in Ukraine and the potential misuse of US funding.
• 00:50:00 In this section of the podcast, Riley Waggaman discusses the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, expressing skepticism about the responsible use of funds spent on the conflict. He does not believe that the return of Trump to office would help resolve the issue, as it may depend on the cooperation of Congress and the desire for continued economic gains. Waggaman also questions whether soldiers on both sides are fighting with genuine conviction, with many Ukrainian soldiers reportedly conscripted and unenthusiastic about their government. He describes the situation as cynical, with Russia paying large sums to keep its mercenary army in Ukraine while also funding the Ukrainian military through the gas transit hub. Waggaman believes that perpetual wars, such as the one in Ukraine and the war on carbon dioxide, may be intentionally prolonged to distract from financial instability or debt problems.
• 00:55:00 In this section of the podcast, Riley Waggaman discusses the complexities of Russia's political and environmental issues, expressing frustration with the prioritization of CO2 emissions over other environmental concerns and the endless "Forever Wars." Waggaman questions if there's any hope for change by stopping the money printing and suggests that an honest referendum in Russia might reveal that most people are tired of the conflict in Ukraine. He also shares his personal experiences living in Russia and encourages listeners to focus on the things in life that bring joy despite the chaos. Waggaman uses the pen name "Edward Slav Squat" as a joke, referencing Edward Snowden.