One of the enduring questions of modern times is, why does anybody really fear the Russians? By all accounts they are inefficient, inept, poor planners, and their conscripted military is as unenthusiastic for combat as it is inept. Napoleon felt this way in the winter of 1812, and only lost because of the terrain, cold, and the length of time his push into Russia's harsh winter took. Ditto Germany's foray into the Motherland. Now we see the Russian military try to invade Ukraine, and falter in the attempt. A determined Ukrainian resistance has foiled the grand plans of the Russian military.
The answer, of course, is that the Russians have Nukes. Would a defeated, embarrassed, and struggling Russian military or political leadership succumb to using the Nuclear Option as a form of last resort? If Russia used Nukes on Ukraine (or others), would NATO and the USA be obligated to respond in kind? Would US targets be involved? I read in the paper that our local nuclear submarine base might be a prime target, putting all of us in Western WA potentially in the fall-out zone.
Where is James Bond when we need him?
With so much history happening right before our eyes, examining what is happening in Ukraine is an essential exercise in human affairs that we must do. We need to look at the big picture here, and consider why this is happening, and how can NATO and the west best respond to it. There are lots of angles to think about.
Any volunteers to lead the discussion? Please leave a note below.
Des - I sent you an email with an attached article that was too long to post here.
ReplyDeleteNot sure if you'll be able to open this link without a NYT subscription, but I think there are points in this piece that relate to tonight's topic.
ReplyDeletehttps://www.nytimes.com/2022/04/08/opinion/globalization-global-culture-war.html
I got the email and have read the article by David Brooks. This is very good reading. He makes the case that democracy's ascendant place in the world has been challenged in many places over the past 20 years, and has failed to deliver on the key tenets of individual freedom, capitalism, and prosperity in many places. Authoritarian governments (he cites China and Russia as examples) have in some cases provided a stable form of government, rising standards of living, and a comfortable form of community building.
DeleteIn the USA he points out that the increasingly acrimonious divide between the Red and Blue states has a lot to do with respect and wealth. Liberals in Blue states stereotype and diminish conservatives in Red states, and this alienation fosters animosity. Reverse stereotyping also occurs, and that does not help.
I've just summarized a 3300 word essay in less than 300 words, and of course, did not do it justice. I hope you all get a chance to read it.