Quote:
Originally Posted by John_Chrichton
This tension and violence is certainly nothing new. Just look at the events in Nagorno-Karabakh in the waning days of the Soviet Union. Economic collapse exacerbates ethnic divisions and drives people to violence. This has been made especially severe by the waves of immigrants from Central Asia. Russians are now competing for resources with these alien newcomers.
In my view, the Russian government's reliance on exports of natural resources has cannibalized other sectors of the economy. Many people who were formerly employed by the planned economy of the USSR are now either under- or un-employed. Many more are employed outside of their former professions and educations (former university professors selling vegetables on the street). At the same time, economic collapse in the former satellite states has driven hundreds of thousands into Russia looking for work. These factors have converged into a huge volatile mess.
In my view, if Russia continues to be a country that relies on natural resources for economic growth, without real democracy (yes I know Russia has never really had real democracy), then it will cease to exist as a state.
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John,
I respect your opinion but think you're smoking crack brat moj.
Agree the tension is nothing new however I believe the level of violence has increased to the point where it seems to be encouraged by the Soviet...er, Russian government. Pre-Putin, the Russian skinhead movement was forced underground whereas now, it's openly "allowed". The skinheads are basically a Putin goon squad.
NK? Really? Man, that was (is still) all orchestrated by the Russian special services. Russia has a vested interest in stirring up trouble in the Southern and Northern Caucasus. Ajaria, Abkhazia, Southern Ossetia...It's all about the greenbacks (soon to be Euros).
Economic collapse (I think you mean Soviet collapse)? I take it you have not been back to Russia (especially Moscow) in quite some time. The "new Russians" are for real...and they have plenty of ill gotten booty originally acquired from mafia activity as well as the raping of the State owned industries during the early 90's (I'm referring to Yelstin's "privizatsiya").
Russia is suffering from similar issues as the US regarding the alien newcomers, who are willing to work jobs that native Russians will not (in the US it's farm workers, groundskeepers, etc).
In my opinion, Russia will implode as long as it continues to divest in its primary commodity and steal from its primary power base: it's people. The government should:
1) get a handle on the pandemic of its alcoholic population.
2) establish quality medical care and reduce the infant mortality rate
3) reduce corruption at all levels
4) invest in Mother Russia
Russia could easily become a world superpower with a charismatic leader (take BHO...PLEASE!!!!) but I doubt it ever will as long as its leaders live in the now and continue to export cash from Russia.
The Mongol horde is again riding towards Moscow...albeit this time very slowly.
Good discussion and I value your viewpoint.