# Michael Mcfaul on The No Agenda Show

Michael Mcfaul comes up in 12 chapters across 9 episodes of The No Agenda Show, from March 2012 to September 2026.

- **Chapters:** 12
- **Episodes:** 9
- **Discussed:** March 2012 – September 2026
- **Related topics:** [Russia](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/russia.md), [China](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/china.md), [Stanford University](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/stanford-university.md), [Vladimir Putin](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/vladimir-putin.md), [Adolf Hitler](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/adolf-hitler.md), [Ak-47](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ak-47.md), [Alexei Navalny](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/alexei-navalny.md), [Barack Obama](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/barack-obama.md), [Belarus](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/belarus.md), [Bill Gates](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bill-gates.md)

## Chapters 1–12 of 12

### Diplomacy with Dictators and the Iran Sanctions Gap

- **Episode:** [1907: One Shotted](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1907-one-shotted.md)
- **Published:** 2026-09-27
- **Time:** 1:47:40–1:51:02
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1907-one-shotted/chapter/diplomacy-with-dictators-and-the-iran-sanctions-gap.md

Jason Calacanis defends Trump's diplomatic approach, arguing that talking to dictators like Kim Jong-un and Vladimir Putin reduces the risk of war. However, critics point out that China remains Iran's top trading partner, and the U.S. has failed to pressure Beijing to enforce sanctions. The segment also mentions the ongoing detention of American scholar Min Zin in China.

Keywords: [iran](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/iran.md), [china](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/china.md), [diplomacy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/diplomacy.md), [michael mcfaul](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/michael-mcfaul.md), [state department](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/state-department.md)

### Donald Trump State Visit to China, Jen Psaki, Ambassador McFaul

- **Episode:** [1869: Trollery](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1869-trollery.md)
- **Published:** 2026-05-17
- **Time:** 23:02–27:55
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1869-trollery/chapter/donald-trump-state-visit-to-china-jen-psaki-ambassador-mcfaul.md

Donald Trump concluded a state visit to China to meet with President Xi Jinping, drawing criticism from media figures like Jen Psaki and Ambassador Michael McFaul. While critics argue Trump appeared "cowed" by the Chinese leader and failed to use tough rhetoric regarding communism, the visit involved significant business delegations. Potential deals discussed include the sale of over 200 Boeing jets and agricultural agreements involving soybeans. Analysts debate whether Trump's policies are inadvertently benefiting China's global standing at the expense of American allies.

Keywords: [china](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/china.md), [xi jinping](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/xi-jinping.md), [jen psaki](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/jen-psaki.md), [michael mcfaul](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/michael-mcfaul.md), [boeing](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/boeing.md), [soybeans](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/soybeans.md), [wto](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/wto.md)

### Michael McFaul, Ukraine Ceasefire, Territorial Annexation

- **Episode:** [1759: Eat The Babies](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1759-eat-the-babies.md)
- **Published:** 2025-04-27
- **Time:** 38:09–43:47
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1759-eat-the-babies/chapter/michael-mcfaul-ukraine-ceasefire-territorial-annexation.md

Former Ambassador Michael McFaul analyzed the high-level diplomacy between Trump, Zelensky, and Putin. McFaul expressed skepticism regarding Putin's commitment to peace, suggesting the Russian leader is waiting for the U.S. to cut military assistance. He distinguished between a temporary ceasefire to protect civilians and a permanent peace agreement, noting that Zelensky is unlikely to formally acknowledge Russian annexations.

Keywords: [michael mcfaul](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/michael-mcfaul.md), [stanford university](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/stanford-university.md), [vladimir putin](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/vladimir-putin.md), [kiev](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/kiev.md), [ceasefire](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ceasefire.md)

### Michael McFaul, U.S. Meddling in Russian Elections

- **Episode:** [1492: Upcycling Ruminants](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1492-upcycling-ruminants.md)
- **Published:** 2022-10-06
- **Time:** 15:47–19:46
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1492-upcycling-ruminants/chapter/michael-mcfaul-u-s-meddling-in-russian-elections.md

Former U.S. Ambassador to Russia Michael McFaul is scrutinized for his history of supporting civil society and electoral observers in Russia. A 2012 clip features McFaul denying that he paid for political opposition while admitting to supporting "electoral observers." The discussion links these activities to the 2014 Maidan events in Ukraine and the subsequent breakdown in U.S.-Russia relations.

Keywords: [michael mcfaul](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/michael-mcfaul.md), [stanford university](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/stanford-university.md), [barack obama](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/barack-obama.md), [hillary clinton](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hillary-clinton.md), [moscow](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/moscow.md), [ngos](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ngos.md)

### NPR Interview, Michael McFaul on Putin's Rationality

- **Episode:** [1492: Upcycling Ruminants](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1492-upcycling-ruminants.md)
- **Published:** 2022-10-06
- **Time:** 19:46–27:05
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1492-upcycling-ruminants/chapter/npr-interview-michael-mcfaul-on-putin-s-rationality.md

In an NPR interview, Michael McFaul discussed Vladimir Putin's recent annexation of Ukrainian territory and the mobilization of 300,000 soldiers. McFaul suggested that if Putin were rational, he would cut his losses in exchange for keeping Donbass and Crimea. The segment also notes public criticisms of the Russian military by Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov and Wagner Group head Yevgeny Prigozhin.

Keywords: [npr](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/npr.md), [michael mcfaul](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/michael-mcfaul.md), [vladimir putin](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/vladimir-putin.md), [donbass](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/donbass.md), [crimea](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/crimea.md), [wagner group](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/wagner-group.md)

### Michael McFaul on Russian Collective Guilt

- **Episode:** [1442: Slime Mold](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1442-slime-mold.md)
- **Published:** 2022-04-14
- **Time:** 1:00:13–1:04:21
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1442-slime-mold/chapter/michael-mcfaul-on-russian-collective-guilt.md

Former Ambassador to Russia Michael McFaul appeared on "Morning Joe" to discuss the "collective guilt" of the Russian people. He argued that Russians are complicit in the war because they do not engage in "civic resistance" against Putin's regime. The hosts criticize McFaul's stance, noting the irony of his comments on democratic means given the history of U.S. military engagements.

Keywords: [michael mcfaul](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/michael-mcfaul.md), [morning joe](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/morning-joe.md), collective guilt, [alexei navalny](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/alexei-navalny.md), [propaganda](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/propaganda.md)

### Michael McFaul, Hitler Comparison, Ethnic Russians

- **Episode:** [1433: Vodka and Diamonds](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1433-vodka-and-diamonds.md)
- **Published:** 2022-04-11
- **Time:** 39:37–42:00
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1433-vodka-and-diamonds/chapter/michael-mcfaul-hitler-comparison-ethnic-russians.md

Former Ambassador Michael McFaul claims on MSNBC that Vladimir Putin is "worse than Hitler" because Hitler supposedly did not kill ethnic Germans, whereas Putin is attacking Russian-speaking populations in cities like Kharkiv and Mariupol. The hosts analyze the historical accuracy and emotional weight of this comparison.

Keywords: [michael mcfaul](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/michael-mcfaul.md), [adolf hitler](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/adolf-hitler.md), [msnbc](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/msnbc.md), ethnic russians, [kharkiv](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/kharkiv.md)

### Michael McFaul, Emmanuel Macron, Belarus Referendum

- **Episode:** [1429: Puppy State](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1429-puppy-state.md)
- **Published:** 2022-02-27
- **Time:** 1:59:28–2:01:44
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1429-puppy-state/chapter/michael-mcfaul-emmanuel-macron-belarus-referendum.md

Former U.S. Ambassador Michael McFaul criticized the BBC for providing a platform to Russian officials, arguing against the "two views" approach to reporting. In diplomatic news, French President Emmanuel Macron condemned a referendum in Belarus that would allow Russian nuclear weapons to be hosted on its territory. Macron urged Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko to demand the withdrawal of Russian troops.

Keywords: [michael mcfaul](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/michael-mcfaul.md), [emmanuel macron](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/emmanuel-macron.md), [belarus](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/belarus.md), [nuclear weapons](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nuclear-weapons.md), [referendum](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/referendum.md)

### Boris Nemtsov's History of Advocating for Sanctions

- **Episode:** [700: Bidentification](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/700-bidentification.md)
- **Published:** 2015-03-04
- **Time:** 1:18:26–1:22:05
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/700-bidentification/chapter/boris-nemtsov-s-history-of-advocating-for-sanctions.md

Analyst Gilbert Doctorow recounts a 2010 meeting where Boris Nemtsov advised US officials on expanding sanctions against Russia. The hosts discuss how Nemtsov was working on these policies years before the Ukraine crisis became a global focal point. They also play a clip of former MI6 chief John Sawers warning that Russia is a danger to Britain.

Keywords: boris nemtsov, sergei magnitsky act, [sanctions](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sanctions.md), [michael mcfaul](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/michael-mcfaul.md), [mi6](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mi6.md), john sawers

### Michael McFaul and the Shift Toward Russian Goods

- **Episode:** [391: Simulation Investment](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/391-simulation-investment.md)
- **Published:** 2012-03-15
- **Time:** 1:32:41–1:35:47
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/391-simulation-investment/chapter/michael-mcfaul-and-the-shift-toward-russian-goods.md

US Ambassador to Russia Michael McFaul discusses the administration's perspective on repealing Jackson-Vanik. The hosts predict a shift where Russia becomes a manufacturing alternative to China, leading to an influx of Russian-made consumer goods in the United States.

Keywords: [michael mcfaul](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/michael-mcfaul.md), [russia](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/russia.md), [gazprom](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gazprom.md), [manufacturing](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/manufacturing.md), [ak-47](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ak-47.md)

### US-Russia Missile Defense Cooperation and Syria Proxies

- **Episode:** [391: Simulation Investment](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/391-simulation-investment.md)
- **Published:** 2012-03-15
- **Time:** 1:35:50–1:38:46
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/391-simulation-investment/chapter/us-russia-missile-defense-cooperation-and-syria-proxies.md

Ambassador Michael McFaul expresses optimism regarding missile defense cooperation with Russia. The discussion explores the theory that the US and Russia may be acting as "bestest BFFs" behind the scenes, with the US potentially serving as a proxy for Russian interests in Syria to secure energy ports.

Keywords: [missile defense](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/missile-defense.md), [russia](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/russia.md), [syria](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/syria.md), [michael mcfaul](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/michael-mcfaul.md), [tartus](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tartus.md)

### Ambassador McFaul's Twitter Diplomacy and Bill Gates Style

- **Episode:** [391: Simulation Investment](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/391-simulation-investment.md)
- **Published:** 2012-03-15
- **Time:** 2:34:48–2:37:07
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/391-simulation-investment/chapter/ambassador-mcfaul-s-twitter-diplomacy-and-bill-gates-style.md

US Ambassador to Russia Michael McFaul discusses his use of Twitter for "public diplomacy" after being barred from social media while working at the White House. The hosts note his mannerisms and presentation style closely resemble those of Bill Gates.

Keywords: [michael mcfaul](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/michael-mcfaul.md), [twitter](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/twitter.md), public diplomacy, [russia](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/russia.md), [bill gates](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bill-gates.md)

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