Russian attempts to revive Cold War-era rhetoric result in silence
Jonathan Wolinsky '10
Issue date: 4/2/08 Section: Commentary
Is it just me, or has the relationship between Russia and the West gone somewhat schizophrenic lately?
Back in early February, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated, "It is already clear that a new phase in the arms race is unfolding in the world."
His irresponsible return to Cold War era rhetoric was in reference to the much hyped missile defense system the U.S. is planning in Poland and the Czech Republic. This is the same missile defense system that Russia has repeatedly used as an excuse to flex its military muscle in the form of strategic bomber flights over the pacific and fleet maneuvers in the Mediterranean.
Anyone who actually looks at the capabilities of the system, however, will see that the only weapons included in the U.S. program are 10 anti-aircraft missiles. To be fair, these could potentially be used to strike Russia's strategic air defenses. To be equally fair, so could a pigeon.
As Professor David Powell, Wheaton's resident Russian politics expert, stated, unless Russia itself physically "lifts off the earth and flies over Eastern Europe," the missiles are no threat to Putin or his country.
Indeed, after some behind the scenes hand holding by Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, Russia is just peachy with the whole arrangement. So either Secretary Rice convinced Russia the missiles and the accompanying radar station are not a threat, or they weren't a threat in the first place and Russia had ulterior motives all along.
It is difficult to make sense, then, of this seesaw of rhetoric that includes what can only be described as an awkward revitalization of Russia's mothballed military.
Is Putin trying to make a last stand before he is "replaced" by Dmitry Medvedev in May? Is he really looking for a chance to re-fight the Cold War? Or is Russia just trying to get attention the only way it knows how, by threatening the West with its military?
I'm guessing that the only people who know this are locked away in some dark, secret room in Moscow. What perplexes me is why Russia apparently needs to be noticed. Under Putin, Russia has made drastic improvements to its economy in the past ten years. The country's vast oil and natural gas deposits pump riches into the pockets of millions of Russians.
One would think Russia would be content reveling in its newfound wealth rather than flexing its military might.
As for the United States, our response has been somewhat muted, at least publicly.
Condoleezza Rice is somewhat of a Russia expert, so I hope this silence is calculated. Even if it isn't and the administration is too busy with certain other messes it's made in the world, America's response (or lack there of) is appropriate.
For all its talk, Russia is no match for the United States economically or militarily. While America should not ignore Russia, to pay it undue attention simply because the Russians are throwing a fit would be reciprocating an empty and pointless gesture.
Back in early February, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated, "It is already clear that a new phase in the arms race is unfolding in the world."
His irresponsible return to Cold War era rhetoric was in reference to the much hyped missile defense system the U.S. is planning in Poland and the Czech Republic. This is the same missile defense system that Russia has repeatedly used as an excuse to flex its military muscle in the form of strategic bomber flights over the pacific and fleet maneuvers in the Mediterranean.
Anyone who actually looks at the capabilities of the system, however, will see that the only weapons included in the U.S. program are 10 anti-aircraft missiles. To be fair, these could potentially be used to strike Russia's strategic air defenses. To be equally fair, so could a pigeon.
As Professor David Powell, Wheaton's resident Russian politics expert, stated, unless Russia itself physically "lifts off the earth and flies over Eastern Europe," the missiles are no threat to Putin or his country.
Indeed, after some behind the scenes hand holding by Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, Russia is just peachy with the whole arrangement. So either Secretary Rice convinced Russia the missiles and the accompanying radar station are not a threat, or they weren't a threat in the first place and Russia had ulterior motives all along.
It is difficult to make sense, then, of this seesaw of rhetoric that includes what can only be described as an awkward revitalization of Russia's mothballed military.
Is Putin trying to make a last stand before he is "replaced" by Dmitry Medvedev in May? Is he really looking for a chance to re-fight the Cold War? Or is Russia just trying to get attention the only way it knows how, by threatening the West with its military?
I'm guessing that the only people who know this are locked away in some dark, secret room in Moscow. What perplexes me is why Russia apparently needs to be noticed. Under Putin, Russia has made drastic improvements to its economy in the past ten years. The country's vast oil and natural gas deposits pump riches into the pockets of millions of Russians.
One would think Russia would be content reveling in its newfound wealth rather than flexing its military might.
As for the United States, our response has been somewhat muted, at least publicly.
Condoleezza Rice is somewhat of a Russia expert, so I hope this silence is calculated. Even if it isn't and the administration is too busy with certain other messes it's made in the world, America's response (or lack there of) is appropriate.
For all its talk, Russia is no match for the United States economically or militarily. While America should not ignore Russia, to pay it undue attention simply because the Russians are throwing a fit would be reciprocating an empty and pointless gesture.
Be the first to comment on this story