Confronting Putin’s Russia (Michael McFaul) from the New York Times
"... similar to the last century, the ideological struggle between autocracy and democracy has returned to Europe. Because democratic institutions never fully took root in Russia, this battle never fully disappeared. But now, democratic societies need to recognize Mr. Putin’s rule for what it is — autocracy — and embrace the intellectual and normative struggle against this system with the same vigor we summoned during previous struggles in Europe against anti-democratic governments."
Great big-picture analysis here. Unlike the 1990s or even ten years ago, I think Putin will find authoritarian soul mates aplenty, not just around the world (China, North Korea, Syria, Africa, etc.) but in Europe itself. Too many central and eastern European states have been flirting (if not outright embracing) neo-fascist ruling styles in the last ten years (Hungary, some former Yugoslav states, and, to a lesser extent, Italy). See the article on France below.
Look for Putin to begin organizing these and similar states into anti-western and/or anti-US coalitions designed primarily (if for no other purpose) to "make the world safe for autocracy". All of these states have felt under siege for decades as democracy has surged around the world. They have felt on the defensive, looking for some kind of justification for their existence. Loud harangues against the US accompanied by lots of flag-waving will provide some cover both for Putin and these potential allies. We're clearly entering a new, much more dangerous time in global affairs.
"... similar to the last century, the ideological struggle between autocracy and democracy has returned to Europe. Because democratic institutions never fully took root in Russia, this battle never fully disappeared. But now, democratic societies need to recognize Mr. Putin’s rule for what it is — autocracy — and embrace the intellectual and normative struggle against this system with the same vigor we summoned during previous struggles in Europe against anti-democratic governments."
Great big-picture analysis here. Unlike the 1990s or even ten years ago, I think Putin will find authoritarian soul mates aplenty, not just around the world (China, North Korea, Syria, Africa, etc.) but in Europe itself. Too many central and eastern European states have been flirting (if not outright embracing) neo-fascist ruling styles in the last ten years (Hungary, some former Yugoslav states, and, to a lesser extent, Italy). See the article on France below.
Look for Putin to begin organizing these and similar states into anti-western and/or anti-US coalitions designed primarily (if for no other purpose) to "make the world safe for autocracy". All of these states have felt under siege for decades as democracy has surged around the world. They have felt on the defensive, looking for some kind of justification for their existence. Loud harangues against the US accompanied by lots of flag-waving will provide some cover both for Putin and these potential allies. We're clearly entering a new, much more dangerous time in global affairs.
No comments:
Post a Comment