RUSSOPHOBIA

N. BALDWIN—Surveys consistently show that Russians value social justice over individual achievement and political rights.  In 2014, Russians were asked whether they would rather live in a society that prioritized social equality or individual attainment of success.  Over 60 percent chose the former.  Another Levada poll from this month revealed that only 16 percent favor a western style democracy compared to 49 percent who favor a system more like the Soviet one. Furthermore, 62 percent favor an economic system based on state planning and redistribution compared to 24 percent who prefer a free market economy.  Russian youth also support a robust socioeconomic system provided by the state.  In focused surveys, one of a handful of things Russians across the political spectrum agreed on included the need for strong welfare state programs.  

An interview with Oliver Stone in English, with French subtitles. 
The topics range from the Cold War, JFK, and Cuba to Putin and the emerging new Russia-China alliance. Truly must watch material, as usual.

PHILIPPE GENDRAULT—From the white supremacist and fascist perspective, the “Russian” may appear white, may speak an Aryan language “like ours” but he or she is not white. Behind Russians lurks the invading Mongolian Hordes, the savage Asiatic warriors, primitive destroyers of civilization. But alongside the Russian and all his “mongoloid associates”, we might include the Chinese who because of such primitiveness, have embraced the savagery of socialism and communism.

ALASTAIR CROOKE—Well, the NATO statement represented something of a Faustian Bargain. West Europeans (Macron and Merkel essentially) were resigned to the fact that they needed to give Biden some ‘China Threat’ language in the final communiqué to bring him – and America – back aboard the multilateral Eurobus. The Europeans have pressing trade ‘bones’ (steel and aluminium tariffs), that they wish to pick with Washington. So they didn’t want China entirely demonised; they need it too much. They wanted it instead, ‘differentiated’. That is to say, they argue that China presents differential threats – military, trade, tech and cultural – each of which should be treated differently. Macron says this approach represents the spirit of his Euro strategic-autonomy campaign.

But on Russia, it was an easy outcome. The NATO dog was allowed to be ‘wagged’ by a ‘tail’ of East European Russophobes and everyone emerged from NATO happy. Russia was mentioned unfavourably 63 times, to China’s only 10 times. China emerged differentiated. We will have to see how successful Europe is castigating China roundly over Xingjian and Hong Kong human rights, and egging on Taiwanese autonomy, whilst at the same time, begging Xi to put his hand in his pocket to help save Europe’s disintegrating economy.

At the Geneva summit, President Biden of the US and President Putin of Russia announced the restoration of their ambassadors and agreed to new talks on vital issues. Meanwhile in Washington and major US media outlets, Russiagate-addled hawks promoted increased confrontation. James Carden analyzes the talks and the bellicose US media response. “US media outlets seem to be egging Biden on to take a harder line than than the President wanted to,” Carden says. “It’s a product of the last several years of Russiagate hysteria. But it also shows who make up the American press really don’t know that much about Russia or foreign policy.”