Brahm

Russia Looks Better on Paper Than in Real Life

Having been part of a "superpower" before, Russia now is not an ordinary emerging or developing country. There are severe anomalies in its characteristics. It is both modern (in education levels, arms industry and power, mining, etc) in many respects as other advanced nations as well as primitive (political institutions and capabilities, infra-structure, industry, standard of living, etc) as are many developing countries. It is not surprising that it looks better on paper than in appearace on a day to day basis as found in its confines.It will be so for a long time, and should not be underestimated or ov er-estimated.

Based on its history and its czarist past, it is expected to protect its national interests, exert influence on its immediate neighborhood, and, when the opportunity arises to its favor, flex its muscles. However, it does not mean that it cannot co-exist peacefully with its immediate neighbours, provided the neighbours don't give it cause to believe ithat its security is being challenged.

Distant powers have to be mindful of this as well, especially if they are not willing to risk their own involvement in direct armed confrontation with Russia. Before they fully become capable, these distant powers or superpowers have to counsel moderation on their proverbial future allies on Russia's borders. In the meantime, these powers should assist these nations in economic development to build internal strength without posing as threat to Russia..