Russian vassalization of Ukraine

[gla22]

I think it is obvious that the U.S. is the most powerful country in the world but it has failed in its power projection a multitude of times and Russia is unquestionably more powerful and influential within its sphere of influence and is simultaneously capable of countering U.S. efforts in other parts of the world.

Last time I checked it was Russian troops in Crimea, Assad is still running Syria and Venezuela is buying Russian military hardware.

[Dylan]

Is your standard for superpower a nation who gets exactly what it wants whenever it wants? If so there is not now and has never existed a superpower.

[gla22]

[Dylan]

I don't think so, for a variety of reasons. The simplest is that Russian influence is basically limited to regional minor players and those already aligned with Russia (Venezuela and Cuba whichever by the way are two states nobody really gives a shit about in the grand scheme if things). Whereas the US has incredible influence in every corner of the globe pretty much.

I think the pervasiveness of global influence is one of the factors that sets the US apart. Back in the day the USSR and the US had real proxies that fought real wars over real political objectives all over the globe. Today Russia sparks international condemnation if they even step into their own backyard.

If Russia is a superpower so is India, China, Iran, Egypt, Kenya, Brazil, Pakistan, and maybe a few other nations with international ties and regional dominance.

[The Comrade]

[Dylan]

China would be reluctant to get involved anyway.

Throw in the fact thar Russia is intervening in another sovereign state (huge no no for China) and I think Russia's on their own pretty much.

Too bad we still can't do anything militarily. I would however kick Russia out of the G8. They want so much to be world players. Kick em out of the big boys club. At the very least it will put a loogie in Putin's borscht.

[gla22]

fair points Dylan but Russia remains many times stronger and more influential than the other states you listed, has influence in Europe (Oil/gas + former soviet republics), the ME (Syria/Iran), the Americas (Venezuela, Cuba). Has the second most powerful military in the world including the largest stockpile of nuclear arms, a space program, the second largest arms exporter.

[gla22]

[The Comrade]

[gla22]