toomuchtime_
Gold Member
- Dec 29, 2008
- 20,031
- 4,946
Let me remind you once again what the word, imperialism, means:If you are familiar with Putin's speech, held at the German parliament in 2001 - then you will know why after that speech the USA pushed so hard for the NATO Eastward-Expansion.
Putin basically told the entire world - that in view of common cultural and shared historic European connections - Russia could naturally replace the USA as the economic and political partner to Europe. He never mentioned Russia "dominating" nor "controlling" Europe - but simply that there is no need for Europe to be lead and controlled by the USA, which shares factually no cultural nor historic connection with Europe. And is clearly a rival to Europe in regards to economic issues and does not share the US policy of imperialism or hegemony.
Therefore, that Europe incl. Russia would be clearly able to form their own USA independent - economical, political and cultural bloc.
Russia's then economy and population count, even until today would not be strong enough to dominate nor to control Europe anyway. As to how "harmonious" or positive this partnership would/could have been - we will never know, since the USA and Britain made sure it would never happen.
That Putin's mindset towards Europe had changed considerably after the NATO - Eastward-Expansion from 2004 onward is also undeniable. He somehow "errantly" believed that the German culture and society would still be that of e.g. 1910 - very likely inspired/influenced by the East-German culture and spirit (free of US influence) that he was very familiar with.
What is a simple definition of imperialism?
Imperialism is when a country extends its power into other territories for economic or political gain. The goal of imperialism is to acquire resources, often through exploitation and force. Motives for imperialism include economic, cultural, political, moral, and exploratory control.Nov 30, 2022
The very fact that Putin and you claim Russia should have the right to determine the foreign policy of eastern European nations betrays Putin's imperialist ambitions. Putin objects to the US/NATO only because they prevent him from trying to capture and colonize eastern European countries one state at a time.