The biggest mistake one can make especially in times of trouble is to believe in the own propaganda. Something that even an experienced guy like Vladimir Putin has to (re-)learn now. I have no doubt that he will fail sooner or later. The billion-dollar-question is: At which cost for the Ukrainians and for us?
But we in the west should not buy our own cozy narratives either. Because it is plain stupid and leads nowhere IMHO.
The following lecture by John Mearsheimer from the University of Chicago is a real eye-opener – if not for all, still for many. The most unideological, down to earth analysis of the genesis of this bloody conflict we are witnessing. And it only has begun. Thanks for a friend for bringing this to my attention.
The fact that it is 7 years old, does not mean it is outdated. Far from. It means that is even more clear-sighted and realistic – without any interference by the horror we all see on the news-outlets currently.
Yes, it is long, I know. But it is well worth your time. Some of the narrowminded wisenheimers on the newsdesks especially in my country might see their unfounded beliefs shattered, but, frankly – who cares?
I whole-heartedly agree. 100%. And this hardly ever happens.
And here is an update, still (shortly) before the invasion though. »Asking for serious trouble«.
outstanding, eye-opening and at the same time very sad for all the human victims and the truth (which is the first item to die during war)