2 ms·

I think you totally misunderstood my proposal and twisted it into chauvinism. I don't want to destroy them, I want to (indirectly) help them. Failed states, esp

by js8 6y ago

I think you totally misunderstood my proposal and twisted it into chauvinism. I don't want to destroy them, I want to (indirectly) help them. Failed states, especially those with nuclear weapons, are far more dangerous.

toomuchtodo 6y ago
I believe "Russia the government" is beyond redemption, but "Russia the people" aren’t, therefore the only path to success is helping Russian citizens emigrate to a country with better prospects for their future. This is help for the people, even if it shifts geopolitical power long term. The idea that Russians will take better systems back to a brutal regime and instill democracy or other improvements seems unlikely considering those who are in power. Russia will fail eventually (as the USSR did before it), its only a matter of when.
- js8 6y ago
  They might transition to democracy through state failure, or they might not. My country, Czechoslovakia, did transition without it. It's worth reminding that despite the sorry state of USSR economy when communism ended, it still contracted by almost 1/3 during the 90s neoliberal era. And Putin improved on that, despite being authoritarian ruler. So the failure of the state is not at all given.
  - toomuchtodo 6y ago
    I hope nothing but the best for the people of Russia. I acknowledge Putin has provided some lift for them, while also acknowledging his significant shortcomings, many of which hold back more progress for those he governs. "Hope for the best, prepare for the worst."
    - js8 6y ago
      I feel the same, but you started this thread suggesting that we "accelerate the brain drain". I don't think that's a good idea, it's going to make ordinary Russians worse off. The immigration policy should not serve as a tool to do that, but rather as a tool to help those who are not happy living in Russia. In practice this would mean, a genius professor of nuclear science, or a dissident coal miner, should be given the same chance to immigrate into the U.S.

by js8 6y ago

toomuchtodo 6y ago

I believe "Russia the government" is beyond redemption, but "Russia the people" aren’t, therefore the only path to success is helping Russian citizens emigrate to a country with better prospects for their future. This is help for the people, even if it shifts geopolitical power long term. The idea that Russians will take better systems back to a brutal regime and instill democracy or other improvements seems unlikely considering those who are in power. Russia will fail eventually (as the USSR did before it), its only a matter of when.

js8 6y ago
They might transition to democracy through state failure, or they might not. My country, Czechoslovakia, did transition without it. It's worth reminding that despite the sorry state of USSR economy when communism ended, it still contracted by almost 1/3 during the 90s neoliberal era. And Putin improved on that, despite being authoritarian ruler. So the failure of the state is not at all given.
- toomuchtodo 6y ago
  I hope nothing but the best for the people of Russia. I acknowledge Putin has provided some lift for them, while also acknowledging his significant shortcomings, many of which hold back more progress for those he governs. "Hope for the best, prepare for the worst."
  - js8 6y ago
    I feel the same, but you started this thread suggesting that we "accelerate the brain drain". I don't think that's a good idea, it's going to make ordinary Russians worse off. The immigration policy should not serve as a tool to do that, but rather as a tool to help those who are not happy living in Russia. In practice this would mean, a genius professor of nuclear science, or a dissident coal miner, should be given the same chance to immigrate into the U.S.