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I have to admit your comment doesn't really make much sense to me. You seem to dismiss the corruption unless there is some how some grand narrative (some might

I have to admit your comment doesn't really make much sense to me. You seem to dismiss the corruption unless there is some how some grand narrative (some might say "conspiracy"?) that ties it all together and explains why Russia invaded Ukraine? I don't really think that's necessary. Biden's corrupt because he's corrupt. He wants money, for himself and his family. Not sure why that explanation sufficed to bash Trump for years but not for Biden. (Oh, I guess Biden was a "dedicated public servant" in the Senate for 40 years. LOL.) Anyway, if you really want the big narrative it's there. I suggest you watch Robert Mearsheimer's talks. He's one of the most highly respected scholars in international relations and he has explained pretty well how a lot of western neoliberal fuckery in Ukraine led to the recent activity. One obvious piece is the broad expansion of NATO into eastern Europe despite US promised to the contrary in the aftermath of USSR collapse. Perhaps less credible but relevant are allegations of US State / CIA involvement in Orange Revolution and Euromaidan. Biden et al. perhaps didn't care for the strategic issues beyond wanting to ensure a sufficiently friendly / pliable government to continue their corrupt schemes. (PS: despite username I am not Russian, that is not the source of my interest / bias in these matters.)

vba616 4y ago
>You seem to dismiss the corruption unless there is some how some grand narrative (some might say "conspiracy"?) that ties it all together and explains why Russia invaded Ukraine? I prefer to call it a "counter-narrative". Prior to the invasion, a lot of loosely or unrelated bits could be assembled spontaneously by conspiracy-minded people who disliked the US government, NATO, etc. Average people in the US DGAF about Ukraine, and didn't know what was going on with the impeachment and the allegations about Biden. But the invasion provided a unifying element to make it all make sense - as part of a Russian plan. So this sort of thing: "he has explained pretty well how a lot of western neoliberal fuckery in Ukraine led to the recent activity" seems to not be up to providing a good counter-narrative any more. It's weak because the "glue" holding the structure together has dissolved. If there are professionals involved in the campaign against "western neoliberals", I'm curious what they are thinking or whether they are just going through the motions. One more problem, besides not having a unified story, is not having a unified opponent. There is no strongman like Putin on the other side to target.
- deleted 4y ago
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compiskey 4y ago
Scholars are not gods and get things wrong. Use your own brain, not appeals to authority.
- NtochkaNzvanova 4y ago
  Oh please. Where do you get the information and knowledge to which to apply your own brain? From listening to people who know what they are talking about. I never said to believe him just because he's respected.

vba616 4y ago

>You seem to dismiss the corruption unless there is some how some grand narrative (some might say "conspiracy"?) that ties it all together and explains why Russia invaded Ukraine? I prefer to call it a "counter-narrative". Prior to the invasion, a lot of loosely or unrelated bits could be assembled spontaneously by conspiracy-minded people who disliked the US government, NATO, etc. Average people in the US DGAF about Ukraine, and didn't know what was going on with the impeachment and the allegations about Biden. But the invasion provided a unifying element to make it all make sense - as part of a Russian plan. So this sort of thing: "he has explained pretty well how a lot of western neoliberal fuckery in Ukraine led to the recent activity" seems to not be up to providing a good counter-narrative any more. It's weak because the "glue" holding the structure together has dissolved. If there are professionals involved in the campaign against "western neoliberals", I'm curious what they are thinking or whether they are just going through the motions. One more problem, besides not having a unified story, is not having a unified opponent. There is no strongman like Putin on the other side to target.

deleted 4y ago
[deleted]

compiskey 4y ago

Scholars are not gods and get things wrong. Use your own brain, not appeals to authority.

NtochkaNzvanova 4y ago
Oh please. Where do you get the information and knowledge to which to apply your own brain? From listening to people who know what they are talking about. I never said to believe him just because he's respected.