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A better understanding with this piece....

What about the Loubatov empire?

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Sound & clear-eyed coaching from Russia's bright thinkers. There's always a temptation to take umbrage at moves made that appear contrary to what we desire. To be able to step back & understand what is perhaps motivating the action is a sign of maturity. Most encouraging about this perspective is that it is now on record for future leaders of Russia.

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If Russia takes offense for other multi-aligned countries taking their own welfare first, then surely Russia would be taking te first step toward the imperial routes. But, that does not mean Russia should not take care of its own national interests. The issue is the winner-takes-all versus the live-and-let-live attitude. For individuals, it is a virtue, and an advantage, to keep one's humbleness, moderation, and self-restraint, when one is stronger, richer, and smarter. And even better to add some effort, as it is too easy to slip down the slope of bullying. It may be true at the national level as well. However, Russia is still far from a dominating hegemony right now. There are still a lot of work to do. Hopefully, Russia's national strategy will remain multipolar.

As for other countries, we have to ask how many countries actually have a leader and an elite class who are concerned about their own countries in addition to their personal welfare. Without these kinds of leaders and national elites, it would be difficult to have a multi-polar yet peaceful world. Instead, it would just be the era of "warring Nations" in Chinese and Japanese histories.

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