** NEW MERCH ** - Jackets & Sweatshirts, Thermo Mugs!! Daniel Davis Deep Dive Merch: Etsy store https://www.etsy.com/shop/DanielDavisDeepDive?ref=seller-platform-mcnav Media coverage is concentrating on Russian tactical moves (surrounding forces in Picrosk and Kiano), while giving less attention to Russian strategic objectives and intentions. The host brings back Commodore Steve (ret., Royal Navy) to discuss the gap between tactical reporting and strategic understanding. Many Western commentators (example: retired Gen. Ben Hodges) are criticized for having a shallow or biased view — treating Russia simply as the “aggressor” beginning in Feb 2022 without studying deeper historical context. Commodore Steve argues Western elites suffer from “cult thinking”: they interpret facts through a fixed narrative, ignore alternative evidence, and fail to do deep historical/strategic analysis. The conversation stresses that war inherently includes setbacks and messiness; judging strategy only by flawless execution is unrealistic. Important strategic concepts highlighted: start with context, then define ends (objectives), means (resources), and ways (strategy). The West, Steve contends, never clearly defined these. Because objectives and resource commitments were unclear, Western policy has been inconsistent and may have walked back from earlier, more ambitious aims. Overall takeaway: to understand and respond to Russia effectively you must study history, acknowledge the other side’s perspective, and perform rigorous strategic analysis — not rely on elite narratives or purely tactical observations.