4 ms·
Assuming stupidity/incompetence of an adversory is usually not a solid analysis, if one does that and then the adversory suddenly starts pulling smart moves, on
by publicola1990 5y ago
Assuming stupidity/incompetence of an adversory is usually not a solid analysis, if one does that and then the adversory suddenly starts pulling smart moves, one could be at serious disadvantage.
In general though, I do feel much of western analysis on Russia etc is too simplifying, and naive. Cultural and historical context are so vastly different that, I think certainly more nuance is required.
- zozbot234 5y agoYou know, I want to agree but technology is not the only policy area where Russian policymakers seem to be less-than-rational. Economic development is another. Why hasn't anyone in Russia since the 1990s tried to pull a Deng Xiaoping move and create the right policy environment for broad-based economic growth? Most of the non-policy prerequisites are there already, and yet right now Russia is only falling further behind China.
- shmerl 5y agoAnd sometimes things are just that - stupid. Putin uses fear mongering to appear more important than he is. As a soon has he faces resolute and strong response, he hides with his tail between his legs. If you want to stress cultural nuance here, you can look into Russian criminal subculture, which will give you a very good idea about Putin's modus operandi. It doesn't mean you should underestimate the damage he can cause. But you shouldn't assign him more value or long term thinking than he actually has. That's exactly what Putin wants - not to appear as sheer mediocrity that he is.