It's not just Russia. This is just the beginning.Xeraphim1 wrote: ↑Sun Jul 31, 2022 7:54 pmThe problem is in trusting what comes out of Russia. Keep in mind that just calling the Ukraine war a war can land you in prison. As to new alliances, who is available? China isn't jumping in to help Russia because, why should it? Besides, it is dependent on exports and isn't going to screw up its economy for Russia. Iran? It's also a near basket case. Who else is there?FullMoon wrote: ↑Sun Jul 31, 2022 7:31 pmI've seen some polls showing popular support at high levels. They've abandoned trying to become accepted by Europe and are rapidly shifting worldview. New alliances being brokered if you've seen. It'll take time to bear fruit.
Perhaps they're going to weather it better than we, as hardship is what they're accustomed to. And we're going to show some serious issues when our comforts disappear quite soon. How about stats on American's health and obesity levels? That'll be a big drain very quickly.
Being accustomed to hardship may have been true in Soviet times, but the past 30 years has had people expecting better. Note that that tens of thousands of young professionals have left Russia since February including many of the people most needed for a modern economy. FDI has dried up and that drove most of the industrial improvement of the past few decades.
Now, I could be wrong, but it's looking like Putin's latest adventure has set Russia back by at least 10-15 years and possibly more. Deaths and casualties in Ukraine are estimated to exceed 75,000, though probably 2/3 of that are casualties who will or have recovered. Material losses are massive and will take a decade to make up, if Russia could afford it which it can't. And the total fertility rate is 1.5 with massive negative growth.
I don't see any way in which Russia will not be an also ran with nukes desperately trying to stay relevant.
If you think the current paradigm stays intact, then statistics are meaningful. If not, we're entering a new system. I believe John has called it the clash of civilizations.
What you know will be obsolete soon enough. And then you'll be bereft and helpless like the majority, sadly suffering.