Was just reminded of this Kasparov quote:
"Russia's war with Ukraine is the final stage of historic confrontation of Kievan Rus and Byzantium/Golden Horde". He is juxtaposing "good" European civilization with a "bad" Asian one. A small thread.
1/5
"Russia's war with Ukraine is the final stage of historic confrontation of Kievan Rus and Byzantium/Golden Horde". He is juxtaposing "good" European civilization with a "bad" Asian one. A small thread.
1/5
I find it quite hilarious that Byzantine Empire's tradition is being framed as an Asian one.
Poor Eastern Roman Empire. Oh well.
But main problem with that comparison is that it is often used as a racist one - Ukrainians as white Europeans vs. Russians the Tatars/Ugrians
2/5
Poor Eastern Roman Empire. Oh well.
But main problem with that comparison is that it is often used as a racist one - Ukrainians as white Europeans vs. Russians the Tatars/Ugrians
2/5
A final frontier of Europe vs. Barbarians of the East.
I get why it is attractive for some in Ukraine, especially on the right but it is embarrassing really.
Russia is Europe. And it is acting as a European power...of the 19th century.
3/5
I get why it is attractive for some in Ukraine, especially on the right but it is embarrassing really.
Russia is Europe. And it is acting as a European power...of the 19th century.
3/5
Europe free and whole is not achievable without having Russia in it. Not now, of course, but at some point in time in the future.
Russia is a former Empire that is having a really bad go of dealing with its past.
4/5
Russia is a former Empire that is having a really bad go of dealing with its past.
4/5
None of this means that what Kremlin does in and around Ukraine is justified/acceptable. But framing it as a civilizational issue is wrong and misleading.
5/5.
5/5.
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