[everybodyknows]

So now, those who attempt to analyze Putin's state of mind by close reading of his public pronouncements -- in full, from kremlin.ru -- need a different forum. We are collectively deciding by default that understanding the enemy is unnecessary, at least not necessary for us ordinary citizens. Necessary only for some elite, membership criteria for which proceed to tighten.

This is a betrayal of one of the core values that make a liberal, rules-based order worth fighting for.