So, it’s hard to watch the news over the past week and not have something to say; but where to start?
I almost feel like I have to remark on the tumultuous history of Russia before 1917, The Soviet Union and the present day Russia. Suffice it to say that Russia was a monarchy, that was over thrown as a result of the Russia Revolution of 1917. After some years there was a civil war which ended with a communist government head by Vladmir Lenin. Within another few years, at its height, the USSR contained 15 Soviet Socialist Republics, one of those was Ukraine.
Ukraine did not achieve complete independence until 1991, after many years of foreign control by, at various times, Poland, Lithuania, Romania, and Czechoslovakia. Finally it became part of the USSR.
Since the fall of the USSR, the relations between Ukraine and Russia have been, in my opinion, tense. A lot of this revolves around economics. Russia already has control of Crimea and to gain control of Ukraine would increase it’s access to the Mediterranean Sea and a major trade route to Western Europe. Russian exports are mostly hydro carbons. It would also control NATO influence in Eastern Europe.
As much of history, actions are being somewhat controlled by the love of money. Many would agree that Russia is an oligarchy. A very select and rich elite are calling the shots which explains why the drastic economic sanctions against, not only Russia but significant wealthy private citizens literally hits them where it matters.
All that being said, I think that Putin is a bit of a megalomaniac and has a lust for power. Any leader of this type is not just a threat to their country, but to the rest of the World. I think the recent invasion of Ukraine makes this all too clear.
I am completely behind Ukrainian Resistance to, in my opinion, an invasion and an act of war. All because Ukraine is seeking closer ties to Western Europe.
I would like to believe that the economic sanctions will discourage Russian from further aggressive actions, but I also know this is unlikely. As much as I know that there is more good in the world than bad, It frightens me that the bad can still do so much damage to our World.
As a caveat, if you are following this global event, or anything else for that matter, be careful of your sources. Social Media is a breeding ground for false information and propaganda from both sides.
Resources:
www.britanica.com
www.history.com
www.carnegieendowment.org
www.aljeera.com
www.cbc.ca
If you have suggestions for other sources of information, I welcome them.
2 comments:
Is America also an oligarchy? Is Ukraine an oligarchy?
Firstly, thank you for your continued support. I appreciate your comments. One of my goals of this blog is to promote respectful conversation. Your comments are always welcome.
Very good point. With regards to Ukraine, I cannot be sure; but I can accept that the US can be seen as an oligarchy as well. Many democracies around the world are probably some form of an oligarchy. It is an "occupational hazard" of living in a world where the prime concern is money and not people.
Post a Comment