How We Lost the Peace After the Cold War | Amb. Jack Matlock

Ambassador Jack Matlock reflects on the diplomacy that ended the Cold War and argues that Western leaders misunderstood its outcome. He discusses NATO expansion, Ukraine’s neutrality, sanctions, and the dangers of treating international relations as a contest for dominance. Drawing on his work with Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev, Matlock contrasts negotiated security with attempts to impose political systems abroad. He also warns about nuclear weapons and emerging technologies, and explains why cooperation remains essential to preventing further global conflict. Jack's Links: Jack Matlock’s website: https://jackmatlock.com Looking Back to Look Ahead (free book): https://jackmatlock.com/wp/wp-content... Neutrality Studies Links: Neutrality Studies Substack: https://pascallottaz.substack.com Support Neutrality Studies: https://neutralitystudies.com/donate Neutrality Studies shop: https://neutralitystudies.com/shop Time Stamps 00:00 Welcome and Matlock’s diplomatic service 01:33 The lost peace after the Cold War 05:20 Nuclear weapons and new technological risks 10:22 How the Cold War actually ended 19:17 Reagan’s approach to diplomacy 24:33 NATO expansion and Ukraine’s neutrality 35:54 Rebuilding mutual security 44:15 Matlock’s books and lessons for today