Nah, man, it’s absolutely a rational position to have taken. Don’t feel too bad. The issue is, as we’ve all forcibly learned, is the Iron Law of Institutions - Russia doesn’t do what it’s in Russia’s best interests. Russia does what is in Russian decisionmakers’ best interests. And Putin’s best interests include imperial revivalism and war fervor to prop up his corrupt regime.
Nah, man, it’s absolutely a rational position to have taken. Don’t feel too bad. The issue is, as we’ve all forcibly learned, is the Iron Law of Institutions - Russia doesn’t do what it’s in Russia’s best interests. Russia does what is in Russian decisionmakers’ best interests. And Putin’s best interests include imperial revivalism and war fervor to prop up his corrupt regime.