[ppqqrr]

Well, to a large extent, the reason Russia and North Korea are hopeless backwaters ruled by petty dictators and filled with suffering… is precisely because nobody would trade with or invest in them. And when they predictably fall into dysfunction and despair, they end up threatening everyone’s peace. You reap what you sow. We need to do better.

[azan_]

That's completely wrong. All of Europe heavily traded with Russia, and Germany even wanted to base their green transformation plan primarily on trade with Russia.

[ppqqrr]

By which point, Russia was already in the hands of a dictator. Too late and too little, as they say. But yes, obviously, every country deserves a large share of blame for its own situation.

Either way - even if I concede this, my point stands that starving nations and denying them development isn't a great long term strategy for peace.

[synecdoche]

This argument is in my opinion backwards and therefore does not make sense. First willingness to do well by themselves must be demonstrated sufficiently to gain interest and trust, then healthy and mutually beneficial friendship may begin. On state as on individual level.