On his visit to Moscow, President Obama carried more than an olive branch. He urged Russia to join the global community, which may be more important even than healing the mess that George Bush made of Russian-American relations. From the perspective of the former Soviet Union, there have been a lot of betrayed promises in the past ten years, and Obama needed to attend to that. His theme of a fresh start was welcome news.
Yet something more basic hangs in the balance. Russia is struggling to find its collective consciousness. Aspects of the past linger in many unhealthy ways. The loss of empire stings, and Obama had to be careful to make the Russians feel like equal partners. In reality, they aren’t, except in the deadly sense of possessing an enormous nuclear stockpile. They have a population of only 140 million people (less than Pakistan), that is quickly aging. Because of a drastically low birth rate, the country could dwindle to 100 million over the next twenty years, with a huge portion of the elderly.
The average Russian male has a life expectancy of 60, with alcohol being a major factor in early death. There is substandard medical care, with almost no attention to prevention and wellness. On the economic front, the Russians have failed to develop a safe, reliable system of capital. Without oil and gas, they would have almost no viable economy.
One can see why their sense of identity is struggling, trapped between the security of the old repressive system and the fragility of a newly fledged democracy. Many Russians are satisfied with an autocrat like Vladimir Putin, who seizes whole industries at will and outlaws freedom of the press. On the other hand, the isolation of the Soviet years was stifling, as evidenced by the mass migration of minority groups, particularly, Russian Jews, as soon as the borders to the West were opened.
Officially, the agenda for dealing with Russia centers on nuclear disarmament, mutual defense interests, fighting terrorism, and the like. But the real issue is intangible. Will Russia become secure enough to join the world? Old habits die hard, and in Russia’s case a return to militant nationalism and isolation would be disastrous. For decades Russia has played the role of the outsider and dissenter, the country that prides itself on blocking international progress and fomenting tension.
The good news is that President Obama struck exactly the right notes for calming Russian anxiety and hostility. He agreed to negotiate on almost every sore point; he showed respect for a once-equal antagonist; he pointed the way to global initiatives. Very quickly the Russians responded with various concessions, both real and symbolic. For once, the U.S. is motivating Russia toward positive change. They are unlikely to embrace freedom, democracy, and capitalism along American models, but with any luck, the new Russian consciousness will benefit the world at large for the first time.
dear deepak,
fabulous post. thanks for this beautiful explanation.
Wish you love, peace and happiness.
Trisha
Dear Deepak,
As always I am in awe of your insight, and your mind! Thank you.
With respect and love,
Bobby
What I see Obama doing is- finally- treating their relationship partner as the equal both nations need to realize they are, beyond any differences in perpetually changing surface factors. His respect is what has changed the Russian response, and what makes it possible for both nations to grow in spirit. If Obama's attitude comes from insight and sincerity and not just manipulative diplomacy, it will totally transform both parts of this relationship and truly demonstrate it is possible to relate in a new way in our world. This is the way to go to heal the world.
No intelligent nation has ever fought its own wars.
They have proxies doing it for them. Proxies could be other smaller, vassal nations (like Pakistan is for China against India; and North Korea is for China – AGAIN – against Japan and US) or by using a collective body to impose pressure (like Security Council and NATO) have been.
Unfortunately, George Bush and his cronies never understood this simple basic thing.. and driven as they were by their testosterone, they wanted to get on their high horses fix their guns and ride out to fight!
So, UN was made useless.. NATO was basically made defunct… and most of the bilateral treaties confined to the dustbins.
Thankfully, Obama knows better. Only fools disengage with their enemies. Even when you don't like them, its better to engage and be up on what is going on. But the American Right, which feeds on the "Moral-full porridge" every morning.. its a choice between "right" and "wrong"… and there is no dictionary to check what the meaning of either is.. except some pastor in the local church.. or Rush Limbaugh. No wonder an idiot like Ronald Reagan is hailed as a political genius – the guy who helped Pakistanis put in place the most extensive nuclear proliferation network ever… a person who exchanged a known, disciplined, enemy for an unknown, informal, no-hold barred foe. There is a limit to idiocy in political stratagem…. but the American Right seems to even clear that!
Hopefully, things will improve now… and for US' and World's sake, I really hope that the prediction of that Democrat CNN commentator that Democrats will keep winning for next 30 years – because of demographics – will come true. It will take more than that to reverse what Reagan did and what Bush perpetuated.
Cheers,
Desh
Drishtikone.com
Dear Deepak Chopra,
You always represent and bring attention to the most commendable of issues and matters in the world. I certainly do support your intention to have 100 million persons to stand together with you in support of non- violence and to create and develope a world of universal brotherhood, as the world is composed up of just and only human beings that all belong to one race the human race and not more,hopefully, we may be able to find a pathway to peace through world -wide participation and efforts.
Thank you for this article and also for the attention that you have brought towards other world issues such as Laura Ling . I have noticed that since you have written your article that more and more persons have also become more aware of this urgent ,pressing, and unfortunate situation regarding Laura Ling. I do hope that we will be able to find peaceful solutions to all world issues, war is a useless and blatant exploitation of human life. Thank you also for the loyalty and genuine support and outstanding character that you have shown in support of your dear friend Michael;friends that are true and sincere are truly a gem- a rare stone these days especially ,and most precious.
God be with you and your family and Bless You Always and also to your dear friend Michael that we all love so very much!
I am glad that you touched this subject.
I am very proud that (finally) America has a president who trully cares not only for national security but also for global issues.
I come from Baltic states and know first hand how difficult is to deal with Russia. The history, the past mistakes and not so clear future for Russia…all of that plus different culture and mentality makes maters complicated.
I hope that this first Obamas visit will open minds and hearts of people towards peace and prosperity.
Thank you,
Sanita
I cant help but think that Obama is just trying to appease Russia.
It's amazing how showing a little respect can go so far. It doesn't cost us any money but can save so much money and misery. In 2003 I remember conservative politicians cackling at how Russia, Germany and France would be left out of dividing the spoils after our invasion of Iraq because they opposed the invasion. Now look who's laughing…the people who told us it wasn't a prudent idea. Respect is such a novel concept, do you think we'll ever put it into action on a regular basis? I'm optimistic now that I've seen Obama in action.