And maybe the last series of remarks on Russia's "divorce" from Europe. Europe should exercise strategic patience. The reality is - however the Russian Eurosceptics try to frame it - quality of life across much of Europe is incomparably better than in Russia.
The possibilities for personal growth, self-actualisation - are all incomparably better. Personal freedoms are much wider than in Russia. Legal protections of individual rights are much stronger. Personal incomes are generally much higher.
Moreover, Putinism is a barren idea. It has nothing to offer to the world, except for the dubious freedom of venting one's racism or homophobia (but it comes with a price of having to keep your mouth shut on Putin's transgressions and of having to join Russia's WWII cult).
What's more, even the most vocal supporters of "yay, Russia, we'll do it alone" in the Russian elite are privately sceptical of the underlying premises of their optimism. Because they know it's like shooting themselves in the foot - or in the head.
Not that they are incapable of the latter but we should just let them. As Georges Brassens famously sang,
Ô vous, les boutefeux
Ô vous les bons apôtres
Mourez donc les premiers, nous vous cédons le pas
Getting lyrical now - time to read history.
Ô vous, les boutefeux
Ô vous les bons apôtres
Mourez donc les premiers, nous vous cédons le pas
Getting lyrical now - time to read history.
Last thought:
Europe can survive without Russia.
Russia can survive without Europe.
Europe without Russia will still be Europe.
Russia without Europe will merely be Russia.
Europe can survive without Russia.
Russia can survive without Europe.
Europe without Russia will still be Europe.
Russia without Europe will merely be Russia.
• • •
Missing some Tweet in this thread? You can try to
force a refresh
