After the conflict between Georgia and Russia erupted, the international media set out to analyse its motives. As was quickly evident, the Russian and international media provided audiences with entirely different perspectives in their war coverage. But, abroad, where people are more inclined to blame Russia, the opinion that Moscow is flexing its muscles in a “resurgent” mood is popular. So, what is the position of Russia in the world today? What type of country is it, really? These are the questions I want to ask in this column.
For a long time, global affairs revolved around the United States. Their politics and programmes in all spheres prevailed; their leadership was obvious. At that time, Russia was weak and unable to compete, but, at some point, Russia started gaining more and more clout, becoming stronger and more influential. Nevertheless, its authority wasn’t a declaration; it was a fact that occasionally surfaced. The opinion in the West was that Russia was no longer content being on the back burner, and that the desire to prove its worth was its reason to wage war.
In Russia, as elsewhere, we have different information and different opinions when it comes to major events. Although the West’s argument doesn’t seem reasonable, it may be partially true. Not in its full meaning, of course, Russia would not risk a war just because of its new status. Being acknowledged might be a good consequence and a certain kind of profit of this war, but, certainly not the reason.
Russians united when Georgia attacked near our borders and struck our soldiers; we had to defend ourselves. The events looked entirely different in the eyes of western society; they thought (and still think) that it was Russia who played the part of the aggressor, and that Russia is to blame. People in the Russian Federation were shocked by Georgia’s attack, and their only thought was to “defend”. Given the timely information they received, and the rational response of their leaders, they scolded the Georgian government for their decision. They also had choice words for the West’s attitude to our response. Do you think the Russian people were wrong? Yes? But, wouldn’t you defend your country under similar circumstances?
So, where is Russia today? Answering that it is a reviving nation with great potential is a zero-risk variant. Russia plays the most important role in the post-Soviet region. Although there are some “problem spots”, Russia leads the many countries that once were a part of the Soviet Union. Russia helps them, sponsors their economies, it provides support in the international arena, and, generally, leads them forward. At the same time, Russia is very significant in Asia (The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation), and is respected by many outsider states such as Venezuela or Cuba.
In fact, it is distressing to many that Russia is rising like a phoenix from the ashes. Its jump to the next stage is close, and the world is afraid. Upon noticing signs of further development, it falls back upon scolding and scorning Russia and supporting its foes, regardless of how right or wrong the latter are. This fear, and the actions stemming from it, means little to politicians, but, the problem is that people are different; all their minds are about war today and they don’t see the reasons for this sort of attitude. It’s worth trying to swap positions for a moment. Imagine your reaction if you were in Russia’s shoes. I think you would have a feeling of bitter resentment as do many Russians.
5 September 2008
Daria Chernyshova
Moscow News
A Russian Briefer
http://www.mnweekly.ru/columnists/20080905/55345197.html (in English)
