Myths about Russia

[aphar]

Published in May 2021, Myths and misconceptions in the debate on Russia debunks 16 myths:

1. Russia and the West are as "bad" as each other
2. Russia and the West want the same thing
3. Russia was promised that NATO would not enlarge
4. Russia is not in a conflict with the West
5. We need a new pan-European security architecture that includes Russia
6. We must improve the relationship with Russia, even without Russian concessions, as it is too important
7. Russia is entitled to a defensive perimeter - a sphere of "privileged interests" including the territory of other states
8. We must drive a wedge between Russia and China to impede their ability to act in tandem against Western interests
9. The West's relations with Russia must be normalized in order to counter the rise of China
10. The Eurasian Economic Union is a genuine and meaningful counterpart to the EU
11. The peoples of Ukraine, Belarus and Russia are one nation
12. Crimea was always Russian
13. Liberal market reform in the 1990s was bad for Russia
14. Sanctions are the wrong approach
15. It's all about Putin - Russia is a manually run, centralized autocracy
16. What comes after Putin must be better than Putin

and makes 10 policy recommendations:

1. Adopt strategies based on an honest appraisal of the evidence of Russia's capabilities, intentions and actions.
2. Remember that the Kremlin is not the West's friend.
3. Do not accommodate or appease Russia in return for assumed benefits. These will not materialize!
4. Expect to be disappointed by Russia!
5. Don't give up. Keep the pressure on Russia!
6. Accept that an unfriendly relationship with Russia is appropriate at present and dictated by the realities we face.
7. Place security above economic gains.
8. Resist the temptation to compromise interests and values in pursuit of cooperation.
9. Expect noisy, angry and vituperative responses from Moscow.
10. Build expertise.

Well worth a read.

Comments

[ymarkov]

Всё верно... поэтому вряд ли кто послушает. Ну, из нынешних руководителей.