[Affric]

Russia has demographic problems. They still have fewer citizens than in 1989.

Russia’s economy was thoroughly fucked by the collapse of the USSR.

Putin’s campaigns in Ukraine have been barbaric and I don’t pretend to understand the logic but Russia’s natural resources cannot make up for their problems.

[yks]

Ultimately neither will imperial expansion. They are not solving their problems, they just loot weaker neighbors and blame everyone but themselves. In reality Russia got maybe the best hand on this planet, so they definitely as a society could choose a path to prosperity instead of replaying medieval conquests, squandering whatever demographics they have left. Stolen Ukrainian kids are also a limited resource after all, when they run out, what will Russians do?

[Affric]

Right, but like the article says, in Poland westernisation was set as a return to Europe. “Europe” has for centuries defined itself against Russia. The last time Russia looked to the west, rather than inwards, they got shock therapy.

Beyond that Russia’s hand is so good because of the very imperialism we are all decrying.

You’re arguing that the Russian body politic should shrug off its distinct characteristics and submit to the west.

Hard to see any of that happening with anything short of revolution.

[yks]

If Russians don't see that their ways ultimately lead to nowhere, it does not mean that others should accept Russian logic as rational. It is logical, but axioms the system is built upon are garbage.