Budapest, Hungary -- An "Alternate Russia" seems to be a good idea; "Another Russia" sounds even better. In that other Russia, no anti-democratic steps would be taken and none would be seen. In the other Russia, dissidents would have a hard time finding any reason to protest so there would be only a few of them and the rest could play chess to pass their time. In the other Russia nobody would be interested in protesting summits that were trying to solve the problems of other countries since Russia wouldn't have any.
So, if we imagine "Another Russia", why don't we imagine "Another United States of America" as well? That would also be as good as gold. The leaders of the other U.S. would not think terrorism could be stopped by fighting wars. That other U.S. would be more hesitant to believe that the world runs like a Porsche. And even if it did run like one, the U.S. government would not be sure that it had to sit behind the steering wheel.
In line with this vision, the U.S. and other G-8 members should send as many representatives as they can to the G-8 Summit. We all know that summits solve only a small number of problems. Still, sending representatives to any summit is a better way of improving the world than sending troops anywhere. Having no better idea (and no other world), every nation should try to use the traditional ways of international negotiations. While the representatives are in the meeting room, they could also talk about obstacles to democracy wherever they can be found.
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