Great article about Russia's growing influence

[drewshin]

http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Central_Asia/HA10Ag01.html

Looks to me like a new Cold War, but more with economic and political threats.

Russia is using other country's energy reliance on them to force changes that they want.
The US seems to be promoting regime change/democracy to try increase their sphere of influence, and using military force if needed, but its increasingly isolating themselves from the rest of the world by doing this.

Because of the increasing instability in the Middle East, countries (mainly Europe) now more and more have to turn to Russia for their energy needs.

If anything, I think it just underscores the need for self reliance in the US for our energy needs, researching and implementing renewable sources of energy, etc.

 

[techs]

I believe it is accurate to say more people have moved from Democracy to Totalitarianism under Bush than any President in the last 70 years.

 

[conjur]

A Cold War in which the US isn't so much of a player. More like Europe and SW Asia.

Certainly some unstable developments in that region of late.

 

[drewshin]

true, the u.s. has been able trying to influence some smaller countries with the "democracy/freedom" stuff. the whole point is to try to get a leader that will be pro-US, however that policy could easily backfire if russia can get its own pro-Russia leader elected.

as we all know, democracy nowadays usually means its the person with the most money to win will win. elected officials are increasingly just agents beholden to others who finance their campaigns.

 

[drewshin]

Originally posted by: techs
I believe it is accurate to say more people have moved from Democracy to Totalitarianism under Bush than any President in the last 70 years.

the scary thing is that most of those people probably think that they actually still live in a democracy.

 

[piasabird]

The question is whether the influence that Russia has is doing any good in the world or just making it a more dangerous place to live.
Selling Missiles to middle eastern countries
Helping to set up Nuclear programs
Trying to interfere in Afghanistan
Generally just being a nuisance.