I've watched this channel for years and many times it is informative and spot on.
The first video from the channel that got widespread exposure. Many said it was better than most courses on Russia:
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danmanjones (Old Spike)
I'll post that 2nd one soon. It's pretty important for anyone who wants to understand geopolitics in that region to know about Russia's history & geography etc.
There's another one on China's new silk road that's fascinating. Did you see it? They're quietly building an intercontinental highway!
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eh (Long Spike)
I have seen that one and about 90% of them over the years. I've always liked the views from a relatively unbiased stance although there is a bias I noticed over the years (it's actually much less now) which I always linked to the Caspian Report guy, Shirvan Neftchi, being an Azerbaijani. The bias against anything "Anti" Azerbaijani was noticeable but not overwhelming even in that material.
I love the book explanation videos and have ripped through a couple on Kindle unlimited downloads. Interesting stuff. I just read The Red Web and it was great. I never would have if I hadn't seen it on that channel.
Caspian Report is good geopolitical material. Shirvan has a unique perspective which allows him to avoid East/West-Muslim/Christian bias and it's been interesting. The lack of bias really makes it educational. I love that Russian mindset one. I know Russian history pretty well but felt much more knowledgeable after watching it--feeling more knowledgeable after watching most videos is shocking. Nowhere near as good as Caspian Report (in my opinion) and with their own bias if you like geopolitical material are STRATfor and VisualPolitik EN.
Nice. That's the only bias I've ever picked up on too. Kinda shows how embedded we are with xenophobia when a guy like Shirvan can't even help himself at times :)
Stratfor is US/Israel-centric (link) & they blew it with me with what they said about Iran's nuclear program years ago.
I'll checkout the VisualPolitik channel a bit more. I've seen their stuff a little but should probably should look at more to fill in some gaps.
The only people I trust when it comes to unnamed intelligence sources are Seymor Hersh & Patrick Cockburn. And even Sey Hersh I don't trust 100% because I've found contradictory stuff once or twice. Still though, 99% track record is pretty good & he's blown the roof off some big stuff. Regular insights I glean from interviews on https://scotthorton.org/ (the site is often offline). The host has a major anti-war bias & anti-Israel (aka pro-lawful behaviour) but he has on some good guests like Ron Paul, Patrick Cockburn, Philip Geraldi & other ex-CIA guys. He also has on some mainstream media writers & argues with them respectfully.
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eh (Long Spike)
No question both of those guys exhibit clear bias. In fact, it's uncanny how every single source exhibits some bias. It's just a question of taking one with the least amount and weighing the bias. Recognizing it and judging what's good info is all you can do. Caspian Nation seems to be pretty good.
Comments
(Long Spike)
This guy is spot on
(Long Spike)
I've watched this channel for years and many times it is informative and spot on.
The first video from the channel that got widespread exposure. Many said it was better than most courses on Russia:(Old Spike)
I'll post that 2nd one soon. It's pretty important for anyone who wants to understand geopolitics in that region to know about Russia's history & geography etc.
There's another one on China's new silk road that's fascinating. Did you see it? They're quietly building an intercontinental highway!
(Long Spike)
I have seen that one and about 90% of them over the years. I've always liked the views from a relatively unbiased stance although there is a bias I noticed over the years (it's actually much less now) which I always linked to the Caspian Report guy, Shirvan Neftchi, being an Azerbaijani. The bias against anything "Anti" Azerbaijani was noticeable but not overwhelming even in that material.
I love the book explanation videos and have ripped through a couple on Kindle unlimited downloads. Interesting stuff. I just read The Red Web and it was great. I never would have if I hadn't seen it on that channel.
Caspian Report is good geopolitical material. Shirvan has a unique perspective which allows him to avoid East/West-Muslim/Christian bias and it's been interesting. The lack of bias really makes it educational. I love that Russian mindset one. I know Russian history pretty well but felt much more knowledgeable after watching it--feeling more knowledgeable after watching most videos is shocking. Nowhere near as good as Caspian Report (in my opinion) and with their own bias if you like geopolitical material are STRATfor and VisualPolitik EN.
https://www.youtube.com/user/STRATFORvideo/videos
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCT3v6vL2H5HK4loLMc8pmCw/videos
(Old Spike)
Nice. That's the only bias I've ever picked up on too. Kinda shows how embedded we are with xenophobia when a guy like Shirvan can't even help himself at times :)
Stratfor is US/Israel-centric (link) & they blew it with me with what they said about Iran's nuclear program years ago.
I'll checkout the VisualPolitik channel a bit more. I've seen their stuff a little but should probably should look at more to fill in some gaps.
The only people I trust when it comes to unnamed intelligence sources are Seymor Hersh & Patrick Cockburn. And even Sey Hersh I don't trust 100% because I've found contradictory stuff once or twice. Still though, 99% track record is pretty good & he's blown the roof off some big stuff. Regular insights I glean from interviews on https://scotthorton.org/ (the site is often offline). The host has a major anti-war bias & anti-Israel (aka pro-lawful behaviour) but he has on some good guests like Ron Paul, Patrick Cockburn, Philip Geraldi & other ex-CIA guys. He also has on some mainstream media writers & argues with them respectfully.
(Long Spike)
No question both of those guys exhibit clear bias. In fact, it's uncanny how every single source exhibits some bias. It's just a question of taking one with the least amount and weighing the bias. Recognizing it and judging what's good info is all you can do. Caspian Nation seems to be pretty good.