Originally posted by: RightIsWrong
Originally posted by: Genx87
Originally posted by: RightIsWrong
Originally posted by: K1052
Originally posted by: jjzelinski
From everything I've read, Russia is feeling increasingly more threatened by our "encroachment" (meaning, all those little countries like Georgia that border Russia and are vying for NATO membership.) I can kind of understand where they're coming from. On the other hand, I hold the opinion that Russia is maneuvering to maximize what's already become an advantageous position for them with regard to a weakening of western geo-political dominance. For instance, in no way do I feel it's in their interest of us to "succeed" in our endeavors in the middle east.
In other words, what you term as Russian "aggression" could be possibly be more accurately described as "very deliberate maneuvering for the purpose increasing their global stature."
Certainly this was in part an attempt to step into the spotlight once more as a relevant power. However I believe the main intent was to instill fear in its neighbors about ties with the west. Unfortunately for Putin most of those nations are more than used to these tactics except that they were carried out in the name of the USSR rather than the Russian Federation.
Any country not sympathetic to Russia is going to be reeling away from them even faster now.
Russia doesn't really care about her neighbors having ties to the west and if you believe that, you are pretty ignorant to the political climate there. They actually like that they have ties to the west because the west then subsidizes them which in turn gets spent on Russian goods/services effectively making the subsidies being given to Russia. The only difference between going about getting them this way or directly is that going about it this way enables the Russian economy to keep moving forward thus given them more money than the subsidies alone could provide.
Russia is however a little paranoid about other countries building a strong offensive position right at her border which is what the US is doing. Now, you can make the false argument that MD is a defensive position but you are wrong. What this "defensive" position does is allows the US to (in theory b/c its track record is still debatable) effectively counter a first strike by Russia which then leaves it vulnerable to a counter. Remember the old football saying: "The best offense is a good defense".
You contradict yourself here. You say Russia likes neighobors having ties with the west then turn around and say they dont. When you tie yourself economically to a nation you also tie yourself militarily in some form.
Which is it? They like the ties or dont like the ties?
You can like economic ties without liking military ties. I now that that is a pretty difficult concept for some....but it is very easily and frequently done.
You cant promote economic ties and not expect or dislike the military ones that come with them to the point the Russians have demonstrated. It is a contradiction plain and simple. Wanting your cake and eating it too. Whether you believe that the case or the Russians. Pick one or the other and get over it.
Your condecending attitude adds nothing to the discussion.
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