Unit 4
A link to the article can be found here.
It's an interesting article from NY Times. Check it out.
This article brought up some interesting points about what some Russians, mostly the Stalinist ideologues, think about the current tension in Ukraine. The writer focused on an intriquing Stalinist writer named Aleksandr A. Prokhanov. In regards what output the current conflict in Ukraine might have, Mr. Prokhanov thinks that the Cold War conflicts return with the transition from Yelstin and Gorbachev reforms to that of traditional Russian conservatism. Prokhanov argues that President Putin began ideologically in 2011 when he felt threatened by liberals whose anger over falsified elections came about. He thinks that Putin felt a sense of fear, so he tried to find a way to maintain his power by loosening ties with the West and their ideologies. The writer believes that Putin has proved to think for himself, but the influence of these extremist individuals could possibly have an influence towards the way Putin runs "his Russia."
I think I agree with what this writer analyzed. I believe that Russian ideologues have a significant influence on the future outcome of Russia. I believe that Putin will do anything he can to maintain his power, but if the people threaten him like they did in 2011 then he will retaliate. To maintain power, Putin realizes Russia can't be influenced by the Western views of increasing freedom and true democracy. He knows what he's doing. I think that Russia will continue to try to stray from being involved with the West as much as possible. Of our allies they are the ones we have the most conflict with. Russian politics hates that the world strays from their traditional norms of authoritarian, non-democratic government. The longer Russians hold on to their conservative ideologies the longer conflict between the West and Russia. One group will prevail. The future can only tell.
I think that as the world becomes more "liberal", which it has, then Russia will be dragged along to conform to "Western" ideals. If not by other countries, then by its own people. People are much more inclined to speak out and protest now then the Soviet era. I think Russian citizens will recognize and desire for a more liberal Russia when they see other countries become more liberal as well.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with you, Kaden, especially in how Russia is breaking away from the West as much as possible. Putin has his own plans on how he is going to flex his muscles and show the rest of world that they are going to do whatever they want to do.
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