Guest: AnnibaleRecorded: August 25, 2026 In the second part of RWN's Soviet-Finnish Wars series with Annibale (Part 1: RWN 630), we learn about the much-mythologized Winter War from November 1939 - March 1940 which ended in Finland's surrender, how the Finns were able to initially beat the Soviets back, and why they eventually collapsed. We also ask: What role did Finland's democratic government play in co-planning Nazi Germany's Operation Barbarossa? Also this episode: The War Nerd delivers a post-journey report from Auckland... First - Annibale and Ames discuss some current events on recording day, August 25: Ratcliffe and a Vatican representative visit Moscow, Italy's latest far-right "populist" Roberto Vannacci, the death of climate change politics, Japan's finances & more...At 31:12 - The Winter War and its aftermathAt 1:50:25 - Music interlude by Brendon Anderegg. Check out music from his group Mountains hereAt 1:51:47 - John updates us on his journey to NZ and the breakfast buffet worlds Further listening:-RWN 630 - Soviet-Finnish Wars, Pt. 1: Introduction Annibale's Bibliography: See notes to EP 630 Total time: 2:01:58Direct link to this episode's mp3 here * John's new essay collection, To The Crows, is available to subscribers. You can also order a hard copy on Amazon - read it, know it, review it! Subscribe to Radio War Nerd at patreon.com/radiowarnerd Sound production by Telescope Audio