Monday, January 12, 2009

ARTICLE: In Russia, Power Has No Heirs. By Simon Sebag Montefiore (nytimes.com)

Beside America Montefiore wrote hat in the 21st century there are three Great Powers, and two ...
— Russia and China — boast authoritarian systems ruled by tiny cabals that decide the succession of political power through mysterious, invisible and almost magical rites. The succession in China is shamelessly undemocratic and secretive — but firm and orderly. Moscow is different, if only because the absence of working mechanisms for succession are a real threat to the international order. ...

The view of de Custine about Russia in the mid-19th century could easily apply to the 21st: “I came here to see a country, but what I find is a theater ... In appearances, everything happens as it does everywhere else. There is no difference except in the very foundation of things."

full article >>>

No comments: