Russia plans nuclear wargame

[The Vagabond]

Originally posted by notyoueither
The Russians and the Americans have a say in who becomes the President of the Ukraine?

Not directly, of course. But indirectly, by exerting the influence, yes.

[The Vagabond]

Well, NYE. To judge from your discussion with Paiktis, your views are not alien to geopolitical idealism. Perhaps,we should address this point first, before going into more particular questions.

[The Mad Monk]

Originally posted by notyoueither


So, the impression is that your influence in the former Soviet republics is being poached? Do I have that right?

By the Americans?

Do the Americans have more influence in any former Republics than Russia does? If they do, why?

Georgia, and Azerbaijan.

I don't know how successful we've been, but I do know that we're actively courting them.

This is why:

[The Mad Monk]

In this case, it really is "all about the oil".

[notyoueither]

That's funny, because I can relate, being from a minor (relatively) country smack between the super powers.

I guess I can see why Russians would be uneasy with developments. Your power has crumbled and the enemy is at the gates (practically).

What I would say though, is that the US (and the West in general) does not have to be your enemy anymore. Let the former Republics go. They will fumble around, they will seek friends elsewhere. It is only natural for them to do so when they live in the shadow of a nation of such massive potential.

Eventually, your economy will grow. Thus will your power. Canada is a captive of the US not because we like them and dislike Britain, rather we are close to them because we have no choice economically while at the same time we maintain ties with Europe. Similar basic political ideology doesn't hurt either. Close to 200 years of peace is nothing to sneer at.

It's a funny world, and people will do the most unexpected things. I really hope that Russia can wait for those unexpected things to happen. They will, as your economy grows and your neighbours see the fact that they can live better as your friends and forget the past. I hope.

It's not very pleasant if it goes the other way. It would be very unpleasant to be Canadian if we had not buried the hatchet with the Yanks.

[The Vagabond]

Originally posted by The Mad Monk
In this case, it really is "all about the oil".

To a large extent. Russia should destroy this damned pipeline project by hook or by crook.

Unfortunately, we are losing here big time.

[notyoueither]

Originally posted by The Vagabond
Well, NYE. To judge from your discussion with Paiktis, your views are not alien to geopolitical idealism. Perhaps,we should address this point first, before going into more particular questions.

What woud you like to address about it?

[The Vagabond]

Originally posted by notyoueither
I guess I can see why Russians would be uneasy with developments. Your power has crumbled and the enemy is at the gates (practically).

What I would say though, is that the US (and the West in general) does not have to be your enemy anymore.

True, but the big game is still going on!

Let the former Republics go.

They were let go. But this doesn't mean that Russia is not interested in whether these republics have a puppet government hostile to Russia or not.

[The Vagabond]

Originally posted by notyoueither
What woud you like to address about it?

Do you recognize that a big geopolitical game is still going on?

[The Mad Monk]

I think the question is, why would a government friendly to us necessarily be hostile to you?

[The Mad Monk]

Originally posted by The Vagabond


Do you recognize that a big geopolitical game is still going on?

Yes, but are you certain you know what game is actually being played?

[notyoueither]

Originally posted by The Vagabond
They were let go. But this doesn't mean that Russia is not interested in whether these republics have a puppet government hostile to Russia or not.

Why do you call them puppets?

[The Vagabond]

Originally posted by The Mad Monk
I think the question is, why would a government friendly to us necessarily be hostile to you?

This tends to be so. Why? I don't know. Perhaps, it's because the former Soviet republics are not big enough for the two of us.

[notyoueither]

Originally posted by The Vagabond
Do you recognize that a big geopolitical game is still going on?

Did I say anywhere that such games no longer happen? Recent events should put the lie the that, and those events have been between the good old club of liberal democracies.

not alien to geopolitical idealism

And the 'all republics are out to get us' is...?

I'm sorry, but the need to defend trade rights with Latvia through a nuclear arsenal seems a little bit thin to me.

[The Vagabond]

Originally posted by The Mad Monk
Yes, but are you certain you know what game is actually being played?

Not quite. But I am certain that an important game is being played.