Despite what people feel about Russia aligning with China, they are still Europeans and have European tendencies; the need to dominate over others using historical inevitability as an excuse. The Ukrainian invasion was a stupid one and it backfired on Russia making them look weak. Now Trump of all people has to help them save face. Both America and Russia need to give up on empire building, the world has been there and done that, people will not tolerate it. The Americans want to control their hemisphere and the same time tell those people they're trying to control they can't come to the metropole, they want to eat their cake and have it and think it will hold.
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- Thread starter bd popeye
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"Ukraine rejects initial Trump request for half its mineral wealth
Ukraine is hoping to reach a deal on a counteroffer, but the opening proposal rippled through European diplomatic circles not only for its audacity but because the war-ravaged country appears ready to play ball."
Ukraine is hoping to reach a deal on a counteroffer, but the opening proposal rippled through European diplomatic circles not only for its audacity but because the war-ravaged country appears ready to play ball."
Countries don't wake up and decide to create blocs, that's childish thinking. Blocs exist through a combination of strategic or geopolitical interests and hard and soft power.
Canada and Europe won't be breaking out of anything any time soon (I give Mexico a chance but we'll see). The knee will be pressed harder on their neck. For that to happen they will need to exit NATO, close down US bases, and ban Israeli/American NGOs and dual nationals. Yes, their politicians will purport to resist a little but it's largely theatrics to placate their electorate. For the existing template of this see Erdogan and Turkey.
I don't see any empire building from Russia. They are just taking back historically Russian territory that was wrongly taken from them in an undemocratic manner. No different to the African fight for liberation against European colonialism. Do you think China taking back Taiwan is China "empire building"?
Video abt Stephen Roach, former morgan stanley chief economist, talking abt China.
What a racist post. What are "European tendencies" and how do they contrast with African tendencies?
Russia would have won if they didn't sign Minsk agreement and went on to capture entire Ukraine. Because they signed the agreement that gave Ukraine enough time to build on defense especially around Donetsk. That was biggest mistake Russia made. And I don't know why u think invading Ukraine was a stupid decision when Europe are weakened due to the invasion of Ukraine. They stopped importing Russian oil and now look at their economy. Eu are now more divided. If they allowed Ukraine to become NATO member, then nobody would take Russia seriously. They have kept saying for decades allowing Ukraine to become NATO member is clearly a red line and shouldn't be crossed.
The usual trick of equating Ukraine with Taiwan. One is legally recognized as a country admitted to the UN. Also agreed by Russia itself. Treaties and all that
The other is not a state, and technically still in civil war with the PRC
But for sure keep talking like that, already lost Central Asia due to this kind of rhetoric and actions.
That's the thing with these boring legalities and treaties. One step wrong, all following steps wrong as well. PRC was fortunate enough that it managed to legally have a claim on ROC, and thanks to that it makes things much more easier in case of hostilities. All thanks to the work of the previous generation of hard working diplomats and leaders.
Of course, hard power is what will determine things, but there should always be an air/resemblance of legality and following rules in order to command the moral and legal high ground in the international world stage. Especially important for a rising power which aspires to displace the hegemon
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This is age of empires due to concentration of Soft Power, Wealth and technology. UAE all of sudden becomes 2nd largest trade partner of Armenia. I gave you Armenia example because i dont want to discuss Africa with you. but time will show you the reality.
You care about the UN all of a sudden? LOL
The Ukraine had a seat at the UN for all the time it was in the USSR and the UN existed. I'd expect them to continue holding one if Russia reintegrates them into Russia proper.
Both the Ukraine (and Latvia, Poland, etc) are artifical states. Through most of history eastern Europe was split between Germany, Russia and the Ottomans.
Central Asia is slightly different situation, as they have had some semblance of independence in the past through the various Turkic Islamic empires. But that's all gone now.
plawolf
Lieutenant General
The funny thing is that is actually America and China that is doing the Good-Cop Bad-Cop routine while the Russians are playing the role of the Big Bad Wolf.
America wants to do a G2 with Russia to keep things as simple as possible to try to maximise their chances of hammering out an agreement ASAP.
Unfortunately for them, China gets to play responsible power and demand to drag Ukraine, the EU and anyone who wants to feel important into the picture. Ostensively to give them equal voice in the matter. But in reality it just EU-fies the whole thing bogging it down in endless circles of negotiations and bickering so nothing can be agreed and no one can blame Russia for not at least trying.