America out of its depth

(And can't swim)

War in the slow lane

]For a long time I have been saying that Russia had opted for a long, slow war in Ukraine early on, an incrementalist strategy because Putin recognized that the SMO was something of a sideshow – and that the real war was economic and political, a "clash of civilizations"-- to use a much abused phrase.

Russia has been evolving; as has the rest of the world – in just about everything.

But the US and its satellites in Europe and the Anglosphere are locked in the past, unwilling to adapt – in fact, unable to adapt, or learn from their mistakes--instead doubling down on failure You can see that clearly in the case of Ukraine--but even more so at home in the US – and in an increasingly devastated Europe. Polls show that more and more Europeans and Americans don’t want the war. Their leaders don’t care. They just make sure the findings are carefully laundered by the media.

“Protecting democracy”—by subverting it.

The contrast with Russia

The contrast with Russia is striking ,

Russian casualty rates were highest in the first two weeks of the SMO-- then fell dramatically, as the Russians learn fast from their mistakes.

While the US and its satellites are ideological thinkers, Russians are pragmatists and realists – just like the Chinese.

Putin is one of those people who is always learning – and takes little for granted. He not only does judo as a martial art – he does political judo. So, he is what you might call a pragmatic idealist – as well as a principled humanitarian. Position, leverage, timing-- it all matters.

Since the early days of the SMO, Russian casualties have been minimal considering the scale of operations – about 10% that of the Ukrainians – despite the fact that for most of the SMO Ukrainians have the advantage in terms of numbers – plus NATO training and equipment.

One step at a time—the journey

Know your direction; know your destination. Have a map.

Recently Putin has articulated his his overall worldview, strategy and reasoning in simple terms-- looking beyond the conflict in Ukraine--now decidedly in Russia's favor, with an end in sight – substantial gains this year and the finish line in 2025.

Ukrainian conscripts. “Say no more”.

Then comes overcoming the real challenge! The Ukraine is just a tiny chunk of the world.

At St Petersberg, Putin said::

We can see that a real race is beginning between countries to promote their sovereignty at three key levels: the state, cultural values, and the economy.

Putin defines “sovereignty” broadly –but accurately--without the self-serving ambiguity of Western politicians.

At the same time, countries that until recently were leaders in global development are striving to maintain their elusive role as hegemons, using any means necessary.

He highlights the conflict between countries trying to define their own “sovereign” identities and the need of the Hegemony and it’s bad boys for control,

In reality, there is nothing unusual here, when a country or a person tries to maintain or strengthen their positions in life, but resorting to lies for this purpose is unacceptable. Strengthening positions honestly is commendable, but doing so through lying is not.

He goes on to explain this in terms all would understand – countries --like people-- always struggle for self-definition and control of their destiny—but problems arise when bullies resort to lies to “strengthen” their positions.

You can’t trust people who lie to you. You can’t cooperate or negotiate. And you can’t allow them the control they desperately seek. If you are weaker, you must leverage whatever power you do have In the case of the G7 countries this control is exercised through financial agency-- SWIFT, the IMF, and so on –which has much of the world of in neocolonial, neofeudal clutches.

L’etat c’est moi. Le monde c’est moi!

Economic alternatives

Now BRICS is innovating a digital alternative.

Faster, safer, more economical. Western banks are already going out of business.

With Saudi Arabia joining the Chinese digital currency trial, we see the future unfolding. Keep in mind that it was the Saudis’ 1973 agreement to trade oil in dollars that created the “petrodollar” and gave the US dollar its status as the world’s primary reserve currency. It was at this time that SWIFT was created.

Now, the dollar will become a secondary reserve currency. Not this year – or next – but sooner than you expect. And Swift? There are alternatives already.

Putin makes clear that goal of the world outside of the G7 cartel is full sovereignty.

….this is not just about scaling up exports in terms of tonnes, cubic metres or units of finished products, but about high-value-added goods. It is about bigger changes than Russian companies’ expansion to new regional markets and greater geography of cooperation. All of this is important, but today, it is not enough.

In other words, Russia’s goal is not making money from exports (as the US says).

With regard to other countries, we are willing to come up with an offer of creating full-fledged technological or industrial partnerships that include the provision of a full-life cycle for goods and services replete with training of national staff, localising production, and providing engineering support, as well as technical service, insurance, and so on.

Russia’s goal is to foster development.

Such approach to cooperation that relies on equal partnership and technology and competency transfers rather than market control makes it possible to establish stronger ties between the countries, improves our companies’ sustainable positions on the global market, and enables them to establish lasting partnerships with their foreign partners.

The goal is partnership. Not exploitation. Win-Win.

This is exactly how one of our leaders, Rosatom, the undisputed leader of the global nuclear industry with broad horizons and plans for the future, operates.

Proof?

Russia has also been writing off debt to poorer countries, as in Africa ($23 billion). As well, as in Russia itself, forgiving loans to regions and local governments. As Michael Hudson notes, debt forgiveness has historically stimulated growth and development.

The US thinks that everyone – except it – should pay their debt! Arrogance or just narcissism-- you choose.

PRETORIA (Reuters) - African countries running up debt they won't be able to pay back, including to China, should not expect to be bailed out by western-sponsored debt relief, the United States' top Africa diplomat warned.

OK. That was 2019. But has the mindset changed?

The US talks of forgiving student loans –sorta -- maybe 10% -- after 20 to 25 years!

In Russia education is free. No one needs a loan.

No matter the US stands to drown in debt. Living now on borrowed time.

Kittens

My priorities this week, finding Ichi a friend and finishing the new special article on the inexorable shift in the balance of power globally. So my brain is zigging and zagging. At the same time, I am still at war with Microsoft.

Ah, kittens….

And dogs! Oh, I wish I had a dog, too.

Hopefully, I will finish the new special article by the end of the week so I can spend time in shelters.

Maybe somebody will adopt me!

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