Russia in the World

Whenever there’s an examination of Russia’s resurgence in Middle Eastern and African affairs, the narrative is always about weapons, economic competition, and Cold War-era detente. Few analysts or reporters examine the non-transactional elements of the policies of Vladimir Putin. To really understand the recent successes of Mr. Putin and Russia, we must understand the somewhat obscure aspects of Russia’s foreign policy.

Why is it that every truth voiced by Russian President Vladimir Putin has to be labeled a lie? The recent rumpus over Mr. Putin’s recent comments about Poland’s role in World War II is a perfect example of history modification. What should be facts easy for anyone to discern, have now been transformed into an alternative history that defies truth and logic.

Hydrocarbons are part of the foundation of modern civilization, and the production and sale of these natural resources is one of the most profitable businesses. It would be fair to say that any country with hydrocarbon deposits and a highly-developed mining industry can count them as major assets. These days however, some fossil fuels are valued less than others. The coal industry is currently going through a tough time.

“Just societies cannot be run by big money or armed forces with their too narrow agendas. Limitless desire for wealth and blind ambition must be watched and contained as potential public dangers.” ~ Plato

In recent decades, owing to Washington’s efforts, natural gas is becoming a fairly dangerous weapon. The United States has been especially active in its desire to dominate the European Union’s gas markets and thereby outcompete the Russian Federation in the last decades.

Nord Stream 2 is a pipeline project extending from Russia to Germany that – when completed – will provide a secure means of exporting Russian natural gas to Western Europe – circumventing a  now volatile Ukraine all while tying Russia and Europe together further through mutually beneficial economic activity.

It has been a rollercoaster year of US trade wars, the JCPOA dying a slow death, and the world economy sinking toward recession. The good news is my fear of a major war tipping world GNP into a deep recession did not materialize, despite triggers such as the Iranian downing of a US drone incursion.