Putin’s plan: Outlast the West. It’s succeeding
Putin’s Calculated Moves: Expanding Power and Testing the West
The Rise of a Dictator
Dictators have a unique ability to hold their ground while democracies crumble. This is a theory that has been proven time and again throughout history, and it is certainly the theory that Vladimir Putin operates on today. Whether it’s his actions in Ukraine or his ruthless treatment of opposition figures like Alexei Navalny, Putin is making it clear that he is settling all family business this week. He feels emboldened, believing that he now has the capacity to do whatever he wants.
Fissures and Vulnerabilities
What has given Putin this confidence? It’s a combination of divisions within the United States, both on the Right and the Left, as well as fractures in the European coalition. When Putin invaded Ukraine, there was widespread agreement that the West could not allow this aggression to stand. The implications were far-reaching, with Russia potentially threatening NATO countries like Hungary and Poland, as well as former Soviet satellite states such as Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and even Finland. Additionally, Ukraine’s importance as a major producer of wheat and oil cannot be ignored.
Conflicting Interests
But above all, the reason why Putin’s actions cannot be tolerated is because his interests are fundamentally opposed to those of the West. For centuries, Russia’s leaders have been driven by territorial ambition, constantly seeking to expand their borders to protect against invasion. This defensive justification has often turned into an offensive strategy, with Russia invading and attempting to control neighboring nations. Putin sees himself as a modern-day Peter the Great, with ambitions that extend beyond Ukraine to countries like Poland and Hungary.
A Divided West
Putin’s ability to exploit divisions within the West is a cause for concern. There are those on the Left who believe that his actions are a response to Western aggression, while some on the Right see him as a bulwark against secular Leftism. These misguided perspectives only serve to weaken the West’s response to Putin’s aggression. It is crucial that we recognize the true threat he poses and unite against it.
The Need for Strong Leadership
Putin understands that if he can divide the American public, he can ultimately win. The key is to outlast the West, exploiting the speed and polarization of social media to sap the West’s will. In this critical moment, strong political leadership is needed, but unfortunately, it is sorely lacking on both sides of the aisle. The West must recognize the urgency of the situation and come together to confront this growing threat.
What role has the rise of right-wing populism in Europe played in creating a favorable environment for Putin’s power plays?
The polarization and political unrest within the United States have left the country vulnerable to external manipulations. Putin has capitalized on this, using disinformation campaigns and cyberattacks to sow discord and weaken democratic institutions. Additionally, the rise of right-wing populism in Europe has created a favorable environment for Putin’s power plays, with leaders like Hungary’s Viktor Orban and Italy’s Matteo Salvini expressing admiration for the Russian leader.
Testing the Waters
Putin’s recent moves can be seen as calculated tests of Western resolve. His annexation of Crimea in 2014 was met with economic sanctions and condemnation, yet he faced minimal consequences. This has only emboldened him further, as he now seeks to expand his influence in Ukraine and other neighboring countries. The poisoning of Alexei Navalny, a prominent opposition figure, was another audacious move to gauge the response from the international community. Despite widespread outrage, Putin remains unfazed, demonstrating his confidence in his ability to act with impunity.
Expanding Power
Putin has been strategically expanding Russian influence beyond its borders. In Syria, he has propped up the regime of Bashar al-Assad, ensuring a foothold in the Middle East. Russian military intervention in the Syrian civil war has given Putin greater leverage on the global stage and has helped solidify his position as a key player in the region. Additionally, Russian interference in elections and support for far-right movements in Europe have allowed him to further his agenda and disrupt the unity of Western democracies.
The West’s Response
The West’s response to Putin’s aggressive moves has been largely ineffective. Economic sanctions, while putting pressure on the Russian economy, have not deterred Putin from pursuing his objectives. Diplomatic condemnations and rhetoric have done little to change his behavior. The lack of a united front among Western nations has also hampered efforts to counter Russian influence. As long as divisions persist and the response remains tepid, Putin will continue to test the limits of Western resolve.
A Call for Action
The expansion of Putin’s power and his audacious attempts to test the West require a coordinated and robust response. Democracies must recognize the threat he poses to global stability and unity. Stronger economic sanctions, more assertive diplomatic measures, and greater support for democratic institutions within Russia are crucial in countering Putin’s actions. Unity among Western nations is paramount, and a comprehensive strategy must be developed to confront and contain Putin’s expansionist agenda.
Conclusion
Vladimir Putin’s calculated moves to expand his power and test the West should serve as a wake-up call to democracies around the world. His actions in Ukraine and the treatment of opposition figures like Alexei Navalny demonstrate a brazen disregard for international norms and a determination to achieve his objectives at any cost. If democracies fail to respond decisively, they risk further erosion of global stability and the empowerment of authoritarian regimes. The time for action is now.
" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Now loading...