There is an old Hungarian saying that goes like this: “It’s better to be afraid than to be shocked.” I never understood the wisdom in this phrase. In my opinion fear and worry are both bad. I am tired of the fears of the “Western World” of Russia and Putin. I am old enough to remember that during the long decades of the Cold War the U.S. put quite a number of military bases and missiles all over Europe. Still, nobody in the Western world worried about it. Most people thought those were “our” missiles, “our” troops, “our” bases.
I think Putin wants his Russia to be treated as a serious superpower again. And I think it deserves it, looking at its size and economic potential. The only thing we should forget is the old Reagan notion of the “Evil Empire.” Frankly, on the list of greatest dangers in the world, Russia is not among the front runners. But G8 leaders all know that dramatic moves in international policies are good for every politician and get them votes. This means that some of Putin’s aggressive speeches really serve as gifts for his fellow world leaders.
The news of the day is that Putin suddenly suggested to President Bush that a common (Russia-U.S., that is) missile defensive shield should be constructed. Pretty good. Against whom, for God’s Sake? Well, probably against China, I guess, having no better idea.
The world never responded to the old Russia. Nobody really cared about the low wages over there, or about the lack of democratic policies. The only thing that makes the world think about Russia is the possibility of danger to themselves. From that point of view, maybe I should say: “Yes, there is a dangerous new Russia.” This might bring some limelight (along with some respect, and some economic assistance) to the Russian people.
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