re: well, it's probably time to assign blame over Soviet breakup isn't it?

quote:

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I still like the read of Anatoliy Mikhaylovich Golitsyn. As Putin moves, it looks as if his 148 predictions continue to be proven. 139 so far have been accurate.

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if i understand The Perestroika Deception correctly, the premise here is to befriend the west, and hide your strength while lulling your opponent in to sense of security to the point wher youve overpowered them without notice.

Looking at Putin's actions, it could easily be interpreted that this is in fact what hes attempting to do. Look at some of the moves: modifying Russian constitution so he can run for president again, insterts himself in Syria and Iran, becomes member of G8, builds European dependance on Russian energy... all signs that he's participating responsibly in the international community to build trust.


perhaps he feels the deception has matured and its time to assert Russian power. Or maybe the oustering of the Russian-allied Ukrainian president forced his hand a little early?

Either way, i think he blew his wad early, if deception was even possible to achieve.

The premise is built upon strength, of which Russia has very little due to its limited economy, not to mention the lack of appeal from former soviet staters to re-join a new USSR.

When this strategy was conceived, a globally interconnected economy was likely beyond imagination. It likely makes The Perestroika Deception difficult if not impossible to implement with an economy limited to gas exports.

Putin is playing a losing hand. Unfortunately it will take some time to play out unless hes willing to risk WWIII.