Tymofiy Mylovanov on the effects of war: – Some people become extremely cruel

This episode of Ukrainapodden features an in-depth conversation with Tymofiy Mylovanov, President of the Kyiv School of Economics (KSE) and former Minister of Economic Development, Trade and Agriculture of Ukraine. Mylovanov provides a unique and candid insight into the daily realities of living and working in wartime Kyiv, illustrating the constant challenges and the profound resilience of the Ukrainian people.

He shares details of his demanding schedule, from advisory roles to the Ukrainian government and defense tech companies, to managing the KSE amidst ongoing conflict. Mylovanov reflects on his impactful tenure as a minister, highlighting the crucial land market reform and anti-corruption efforts he spearheaded. The discussion also delves into the complex geopolitical landscape, exploring the various "camps" regarding the war's conclusion, Putin's potential motivations for negotiation, and the critical role of international support for Ukraine.

A significant portion of the conversation addresses the recent corruption scandals within Ukraine, which Mylovanov views as a painful but ultimately necessary process for strengthening democratic institutions and fostering "zero tolerance" for corruption. He also demystifies game theory, explaining how this economic concept can be applied to understand complex interactions in international politics and conflict. The episode concludes with Mylovanov's deeply personal reflections on the dual nature of human behavior—the capacity for both extreme cruelty and profound heroism—witnessed during the war.

Timestamps:

«00:01:02» – A "normal day" in wartime Kyiv, waking up to bombings
«00:03:01» – KSE's consulting work for a defense tech company on drone pilot data
«00:04:26» – Discussion with Oksana Markarova on Ukraine's future, geopolitics, and "camps" on ending the war
«00:13:18» – Tymofiy Mylovanov's proudest achievement as minister: land market reform
«00:15:30» – Why education and energy are key to Ukraine's future
«00:20:00» – Analyzing Putin's negotiation tactics and the possibility of peace
«00:27:15» – Why Europe and the US will not abandon Ukraine
«00:29:09» – The impact and implications of Ukraine's corruption scandal
«00:33:28» – "Ukraine will not collapse" – countering Russian propaganda
«00:37:07» – Explaining game theory and its application to understanding conflict
«00:44:36» – Tymofiy Mylovanov's most surprising observation about human nature during war

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