South Ossetia

[nwhyte]

Once again, I want to strongly recommend OpenDemocracy, this time for its series of articles on South Ossetia and its consequences. Today's article is by my good friend Ivan Krastev, arguing inter alia that Russia may be a loser as well. At the start of the war they ran a good piece by Caucasus vetern Tom de Waal, "An Avoidable Tragedy". See also

Comments

[tchernabyelo]

Interesting article, and thanks for pointing me at it

[yea_mon]

I don't know about Russia not losing out. In the past few year, from a western perspective, they've gone from 'emerging democracy' through 'unpredictable state' and now to 'regional bullyboy'.

Companies are beginning to get wary of Russia as a safe country to invest in, as the Russian shenanigans over international joint ventures in oil production over the past few years show that contracts are not worth the paper they're signed on.

European nations are very wary of relying on Russia for energy, what with the pipeline diplomacy of recent years.

The UK is very wary of Russia, as its ruler seems to have no problem with Russian operatives killing British citizens in London.

China might play the long games with Russia, but I don't think they'd trust them for a minute - and trust goes a long way in diplomacy.

[alacsony]

Very thoughtful indeed.

Many thanks for the links

[anonymous]

Thanks for the kind words & links. I agree that IK's piece is very interesting.

Tony, openDemcoracy