This posting is an excellent summary, easily understood by everyone. I will add a couple pieces which underscore why I agree with the title.
Russia/USSR has been invaded by European countries on many occasions. Coupled with its own perception of cultural and economic inferiority, there exists a level of political paranoia, despite its immense size and diversity. The West now is encouraging that paranoia rather than balancing her importance to peace in Europe with appropriate requirements and restrictions on engagement. Russia’s military is not a threat to Western Europe and Ukraine is simply a pawn, not a critical piece on the global chessboard. Our current leaders, including several in Western Europe, do not understand these relationships.
There is a great difference between Russia as a "friend" or as a respected partner. Keeping her as an enemy is in neither side's best interests.
When was Russi/USSR invaded by the West?. Educate me please. Western leaders maintain their grip on power by having an enemy. Russia and the west were aligned during WWII to defeat Nazi Germany. Inessence the USSR saved several countries from Nazi Germany. Although it may seem preposterous, some have wanted Russia to join NATO. Perhaps the West and Russia need to sign a "Peace treaty"
On invasions: The Tetonic Knights, Napoleon, Crimea War, Germany/Austria WWI, Germany WWII, are just several examples. The perception by Soviet leaders during WWII was the West was interested in letting "you and him fight" so each would be weakened. The failures of diplomacy prior to the war to engage Russia against the growing power if Germany led to the Ribbentropp- Molotov Pact in August 1939. Certainly the Soviet Union contributed to the failure but enormous suspicion of the West persisted, exemplified by Stalin's rejection of warning from Britain that Germany was going to attack her in June 1941.
As to cultural and economic inferiority, French was the language of the elite nearly to Tsar Nicholas, coupked with mimicry of Western dress and music until the late 1800's, Peter the Great going to the West to learn technology to improve Russia’s economy, the Five Year Plans under Stalin, among a host of other matters.
This posting is an excellent summary, easily understood by everyone. I will add a couple pieces which underscore why I agree with the title.
Russia/USSR has been invaded by European countries on many occasions. Coupled with its own perception of cultural and economic inferiority, there exists a level of political paranoia, despite its immense size and diversity. The West now is encouraging that paranoia rather than balancing her importance to peace in Europe with appropriate requirements and restrictions on engagement. Russia’s military is not a threat to Western Europe and Ukraine is simply a pawn, not a critical piece on the global chessboard. Our current leaders, including several in Western Europe, do not understand these relationships.
There is a great difference between Russia as a "friend" or as a respected partner. Keeping her as an enemy is in neither side's best interests.
When was Russi/USSR invaded by the West?. Educate me please. Western leaders maintain their grip on power by having an enemy. Russia and the west were aligned during WWII to defeat Nazi Germany. Inessence the USSR saved several countries from Nazi Germany. Although it may seem preposterous, some have wanted Russia to join NATO. Perhaps the West and Russia need to sign a "Peace treaty"
On invasions: The Tetonic Knights, Napoleon, Crimea War, Germany/Austria WWI, Germany WWII, are just several examples. The perception by Soviet leaders during WWII was the West was interested in letting "you and him fight" so each would be weakened. The failures of diplomacy prior to the war to engage Russia against the growing power if Germany led to the Ribbentropp- Molotov Pact in August 1939. Certainly the Soviet Union contributed to the failure but enormous suspicion of the West persisted, exemplified by Stalin's rejection of warning from Britain that Germany was going to attack her in June 1941.
As to cultural and economic inferiority, French was the language of the elite nearly to Tsar Nicholas, coupked with mimicry of Western dress and music until the late 1800's, Peter the Great going to the West to learn technology to improve Russia’s economy, the Five Year Plans under Stalin, among a host of other matters.
Thank you. It seems you have a deep knowledge about Russia. Judging from your name.