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December 14, 2006

Russia: The Empire Strikes Back

 

 

Russia’s identity as a nation-state is nearly inseparable from its role as an imperial power.

 

– Amos A. Jordan, et al., American National Security.

 

So when we look at the news and hear of a recovered post-Soviet and somewhat neo-Soviet Russian Federation becoming increasingly belligerent, it should not at all surprise us. The Kremlin’s aggressive and anti-Western, anti-democratic role may not be what the Russian people or the rest of us want, but from the time of the Czar to Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, Moscow has cared very little about people – whether its own or someone else’s.

 

That’s not to say that Russia can’t change; it does mean however that the Russian people will really have to make it happen because it’s not going to happen on its own.

 

 

Posted by Martin at December 14, 2006 10:09 PM

Comments

Youre so right..it wont happen on its own..no doubt about that!
thanks for the sweet comments at my site! have a great weekend!

Posted by: Angel at December 15, 2006 01:22 PM

Though few Americans have paid attention to what has transpired in Russia since the Reagan-era breakup of the USSR, they should have. President Vladimir Putin has been chiseling away at the foundations of democracy in the former Soviet republic -- limiting free speech among individuals and the news media and silencing critics of his administration through the use of bully tactics. Should we be surprised by the actions of a former head of the infamous KGB? Not at all.

Posted by: Bob at December 16, 2006 08:34 PM