Pattern Break

Game Theory in Ukraine: How American Strategy Created Unintended Consequences

Published: September 9, 2026

Duration: 17:19

What if America's strategy in Ukraine actually made Putin stronger? In this episode, Casey breaks down how game theory reveals the unintended consequences of Western tactics that backfired spectacularly. On Pattern Break, we examine Ukraine's aggressive military doctrine and why attacking instead of defending played right into Russian hands. You'll learn how sanctions targeting oligarchs actually unified Putin's inner circle, discover why blowing up Nordstream hurt Germany more than Russia, and understand the strategic inconsistency of treating Russia and China as completely different threats. Casey walks through the game theory behind each decision and shows how American policymakers created the...