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The West is weak. It is used to solving problems on paper (2008 crisis, Pandemic-time money printing) and hoping that it will somehow pan out. The tolerance for
by john_moscow 5y ago
The West is weak. It is used to solving problems on paper (2008 crisis, Pandemic-time money printing) and hoping that it will somehow pan out. The tolerance for getting out of your comfort zone is near zero. The politicians will toss out a few strong-worded U.N. resolutions and will hope that Putin gets bored, or their term expires before it gets any worse.
Except, it only works, as long as less spoiled people in less fortunate places are willing to assemble your smartphones, sew your jeans and operate the oil rigs for fraction of your wage. And these people will have much more willpower and commitment, and they may eventually realize that conquering the West could be more fun than serving it.
Not that I like it, just abstract detached thoughts.
- freerobots 5y agoThis is why I'm skeptical of claims that Putin won't get what he wants here. The West is politically incapable of rallying people to do the right thing if it comes at any degradation to their livelihoods. US/EU banks still want their bonds paid and US oil companies don't want Russia seizing their investments. The incumbent party, especially in an election year, doesn't want any more economic risk, and the donor class won't stand for any losses.