One thing I'll agree on John Mearsheimer is that an incredibly well articulated. He's also absolutely wrong. One of my also russian friends used one of his videos as a proof that everything is west's fault in the conflict in Russia. I patiently listened and what I heard was might makes right/who are we to meddle in the affairs of great Russia or great powers/Russia is great and we're doomed. It's a take that takes ANY agency out of Ukraine or any small country. Catnip for Z-patriots!. He's one of those "useful idiots" that Putin and his gang cultivate around the world.

For just a bit of - at the glance similar - but much, much more thought out and balanced stuff, I would recommend anything at all by Steven Kotkin. He speaks with folks from Brookings quite a bit. His experience is unparalleled and world view is considerably more nuanced