If only that were true. Let’s look at the body of evidence. Russia fought tooth and nail against the attempted breakaway of Chechnya in the 1990s, even while it was economically at the mercy of the IMF. Then came the war against Georgia in 2008, after the U.S. under George W. Bush openly invited Georgia to join NATO. Russia invaded and “taught” Georgia a lesson, sending a stern message to many of its former satellite countries to think twice before joining NATO at the expense of Russian national security.
But what did that strategy actually accomplish? Were Ukraine, the EU, and the U.S. deterred from continuing their provocative actions - actions that ultimately culminated in Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022?
Why do so many keyboard commandos keep missing these factoids when they argue that China should take a similar approach toward the ASEAN chihuahua, the Philippines?
China’s current strategy is paying dividends across almost every domain, except among the miscreants. Those people will never change their tune except through outright liquidation - but that is an acceptable outcome for China, since those malcontents sit at the margins of the current political and business interests of their respective countries. The more the region’s economic growth develops and increases, the better its relationship with China will become as the centre of technological and business influence. The military exists to protect and guarantee security against outsiders’ sinister attempts to sow disharmony and chaos.
War has never been an instrument of progress. It has always been a harbinger of destruction to societies and civilizations throughout our long history. That fact will not change anytime soon
Russia is a declining power economically, culturally and militarily. It was falling apart in 1990s and barely able to hold itself together. Why would any country respect such a country and bow their heads toward it?
All of Russia's neighbour were enticed by the Wealth and prestige of the EU and US. They saw hope, they saw a superior culture, a superior way of life. They aspired to be like Europe. They thought if they could join the west then they would achieve paradise.
That is why Russia's military power was not enough to keep periphery countries loyal. And even that military power was suspect in 1990s and 2000s when Russia was full of corruption.
China on the other hand is the opposite. It is showing organization, efficiency and superior life to everyone. And it is rising in wealth. But China is still poorer than the west which is why western worship is so prevalent in East Asia. China is simply not seen as a superior country compared to the west.
When US uses its military power, people cower in fear because of the dominance of its economy and tech power in civillian life. When Russia uses its military power, people see a declining power lashing out.
Which power does China resemble more? Russia or US?
I think China resembles US of the 1900s, the Teddy roosevelt era. It has the economic and industrial might but its still not respect for it because it has not thrown its weight around much. Teddy roosevelt changed that and made US feared and respected. China needs to do the same now. Carry a big stick and use it.
