A very interesting summary of Russia’s conquest history. Also a very bleak prediction for the Russian future as hoped for by their current leaders. And a rather hopeless future for those working for democratic change. Unfortunately, probably accurately predicted.
While it is an accurate summary of Russia’s conquest history, I think the conclusion that democracy is impossible is a flawed conclusion.
If we look at strong democracies today, a few hundred years ago, those places were not democracies.
The culture can change.
I admit I despair when I talk to Russians who live in Germany and have lived there 15+ years who are highly educated, yet still support the imperialist mindset.
But I have hopes that a catastrophic defeat will change their minds and save their nation - like the catastrophic defeats of Germany and Japan changed them