Do you think Putin has betrayed the Russian people and started a new totalitarian dictactorship, or does he have their long-term interests at heart?
While I don't know Putin's motivations, I think he is generally taking the right course of action. The first priority should be stability and security, at any price. Free enterprise cannot develop in lawless nation and democracy cannot develop without free enterprise. As Russia's economy realigns and develops the country can slowly move toward greater free enterprise and democracy. I think it's foolish to think that a nation with no history of free enterprise, representative democracy, or respect for human rights can suddenly turn into a democratic, capitalist society overnight. It will be a long slow process.
Your thoughts? |