Gilbert Doctorow
Gilbert Doctorow is a US-born, Brussels-based independent political analyst and longtime Russia watcher, holding a Ph.D. in history from Columbia University and a background that includes decades in East-West business plus a stint chairing the Russian Booker Literary Prize in Moscow. He writes the Armageddon Newsletter on Substack and at gilbertdoctorow.com, and is a frequent guest on Judging Freedom. He reads the Ukraine war primarily through Russian strategic aims and the state of European politics.
Where they stand
A short read of where Gilbert Doctorow lands on each front we follow, drawn from their recent appearances and refreshed whenever they turn up in a debrief.
Iran
The Iran war has leveled US bases in the region and is pushing US withdrawal from the Middle East
as of 2026-11-04
Ukraine & Russia
Russia is holding back and could completely crush Ukraine; Western reporting relays Ukrainian propaganda
as of 2026-11-04
Israel
Trump's announced cut-off of $4B a year in military aid is a sea change in US-Israel relations; Israeli election leaves no new government yet
as of 2026-11-04
American power
Trump remains the author of US foreign policy without Congress; midterm result is mostly domestic and Europe's reaction is muted; CIA works at odds with Trump on Ukraine
as of 2026-11-04
The global economy
Hormuz tanker traffic is back to about 50% of pre-war levels with US escorts as cover for a deal.
as of 2026-09-30
Recent appearances
Gilbert Doctorow : Has the Kremlin Figured Out Trump?
Judging Freedom (Judge Napolitano) · 2026-11-04
2026-10-07 · Judging Freedom (Judge Napolitano)watch ↗
Gilbert Doctorow : Are Putin’s Threats Credible?
2026-09-30 · Judging Freedom (Judge Napolitano)watch ↗
Gilbert Doctorow : Can Ukraine Make it Through the Winter?
2026-09-02 · Canadian Prepper (host: Nate)watch ↗
Russia’s plan to depopulate Ukraine, mass evacuation, fuel shortages