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I think Russia's problem is it spent its entire history surrounded by powerful enemies, and was frequently invaded. As a consequence Putin honestly believes NAT

I think Russia's problem is it spent its entire history surrounded by powerful enemies, and was frequently invaded. As a consequence Putin honestly believes NATO has the intention of invading it, and so he thinks Russia has to take aggressive actions to prevent that. What he doesn't get is that, thanks to nuclear weapons and modern industrialization, NATO is not interested in doing that for either reasons of security or wealth. That is why, when the Cold War ended, NATO nations drastically cut their arms budgets. NATO would like to basically leave Russia alone, but Russia's agressive actions are forcing it to respond.

nobullet 10y ago
It is all a lot simpler: power, money and sphere of influence. No one is going to give up power and money in a poor country. That's why Mr. Putin and Company build tons of bullshit about external enemies, preventing folks from blaming the government for existing economical and social problems. Disclaimer: I'm from a country that is in Eastern Europe and borders with Russia. It also has very close relations with it. Russia affects internal politics and mass media. 80% are brain-washed.
ptaipale 10y ago
>I think Russia's problem is it spent its entire history surrounded by powerful enemies That applies not only to Russia, but to pretty much everyone. Particularly, it applies to each of Russia's neighbours...