by M M Johns

Created on: October 27, 2008   Last Updated: November 05, 2008

Is the Russia which has emerged since the Yelstin era a force to be feared?

It is true that the economy has improved dramatically. It is also true that Russia is again becoming a military force to be reckoned with.

In the West we tend to view both with a degree of suspicion. After all, Russia does have it's hand on the tap which controls the flow of gas through the pipelines to Western Europe. Polls within Russia suggest that Putin is very popular with public. He has revitalised national pride, giving the people hope that once again Russia will assume it's rightful place on the world stage.

It is also true that some deeds are questionable in the eyes of the West - Georgia is the latest example of this. However, coverage of this event in the West, focused primarily on the view from the Georgian perspective and, as we know, every story has two sides. Russia is, however, not alone in this, Great Britain and the USA have both committed acts which some view as questionable. It is human nature to fear that which is either unknown or that which we do not understand. It may also be true that it is politically expedient to develop a fear of Russia amongst the populace.

Headline grabbing statements? Or is there an element of truth? Facts which are being withheld. In a recent speech presidential candidate John McCain stated that he had met Putin and on looking into his eyes saw three letters - KGB. If the situation was reversed; could Putin say that he looked into McCain's eyes and saw three letters; CIA. KGB in itself elicits fear, mainly due to it's portrayal in the film industry, novels and such. CIA, on the other hand elicits the kind of indulgent smile a parent would give a give a child caught with his hand in the cookie jar. Yet both have allegedly been involved in nefarious and questionable deeds, allegedly interfering with and causing power shifts within countries for the benefit of their respective governments.

Further polls within Russia suggest that the ordinary Russian feels that the West does not understand them. This surely must be wrong. Should an effective dialogue be established aimed at understanding instead of confrontation this could be rectified.

It is entirely possible that Putin or Mendeyev do not conform to the Western concept of what a leader should look like or behave. Putin, in particular, is stony faced, and does not portray himself in the same manner as Western leaders. However, is that sufficient reason to mistrust him. Is it at all possible that different nationalities and peoples require a form of government which is a variation on the accepted form of democracy developed in the West.?

Empires which have tried to impose their will and ways on others have never been successful. From the Roman Empire to the Great Britain Empire, they have failed, often with disastrous results for the countries they tried to govern or influence. A look at Africa is sufficient proof of that!

Therefore, would it not be more beneficial to understand rather than fear?

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