One thing I have always wondered is, how is it that Russians have been the victims of the worst governments possible, going back to the beginning? Even the "good ones" like Alexander Nevsky and Peter the Great were monsters! And they were the exceptions.
"You can't really engage in historical argument with people who are set on believing a myth, let alone with presidents who believe that the past is just there to confirm their present prejudices." True for Russia and true for this country as well. Mr. Trump is biding his time and hoping that there are enough Americans who are set in believing myths of the past.
Very enlightening. It's difficult not to conclude that Putin has misread the likely reaction and fallout from an invasion — domestically and internationally — when the casualties and destruction mount. Perhaps he's starting to believe the web of false realities he creates, not to mention overestimating his shrewdness.
I would expect from the author, who is a famous and admired (by me for sure) historian, more and deeper analysis of the Ukraine history over the ages. What it is, where it belongs and where it came from. I grew in Poland and I still remember the songs we sang about the lost green Ukraine. Ukraine, like Poland, fought for its own identity over the ages. Somehow I do not see it referenced in this article. Neither do I see analysis of the possible results, the invasion of Ukraine by Putin would bring with.
Very enlightening. It's difficult not to think that Putin has misread the likely reaction and fallout from an invasion — domestically and internationally — when the casualties and destruction mount. Perhaps he's starting to believe in the false realties he's adept at creating.
How to think about war in Ukraine
One thing I have always wondered is, how is it that Russians have been the victims of the worst governments possible, going back to the beginning? Even the "good ones" like Alexander Nevsky and Peter the Great were monsters! And they were the exceptions.
"You can't really engage in historical argument with people who are set on believing a myth, let alone with presidents who believe that the past is just there to confirm their present prejudices." True for Russia and true for this country as well. Mr. Trump is biding his time and hoping that there are enough Americans who are set in believing myths of the past.
What an excellent analysis and how sad that we should be here again, namely, on the brink of war... As if Ukraine has not suffered enough.
Very enlightening. It's difficult not to conclude that Putin has misread the likely reaction and fallout from an invasion — domestically and internationally — when the casualties and destruction mount. Perhaps he's starting to believe the web of false realities he creates, not to mention overestimating his shrewdness.
I would expect from the author, who is a famous and admired (by me for sure) historian, more and deeper analysis of the Ukraine history over the ages. What it is, where it belongs and where it came from. I grew in Poland and I still remember the songs we sang about the lost green Ukraine. Ukraine, like Poland, fought for its own identity over the ages. Somehow I do not see it referenced in this article. Neither do I see analysis of the possible results, the invasion of Ukraine by Putin would bring with.
Very enlightening. It's difficult not to think that Putin has misread the likely reaction and fallout from an invasion — domestically and internationally — when the casualties and destruction mount. Perhaps he's starting to believe in the false realties he's adept at creating.
Excellent piece. I concur in my interest in your reaction to Biden and Macron.
Excellent essay. I'd be very interested to know your reaction to yesterday's remarks by Macron and President Biden.