The west you meqn as defined by Germany? West is a concept, not a nation or people. I think that's what the EU constantly fails at. The west will exist without France and Germany - a loss, but it would move on - cause there's a other 40 or so "western" nations as unique and interesting - and countries like Mexico, Canada, Brazil, US would just take on the economic drop off. Time is a long thing, and while decades may suck, their loss wouldn't subsume an idea or concept of freedom.
Exactly. Not only "the west" is a concept. But for a long time, Russia was considered a western country. A Europeans country.
Despite it having land that goes well into Asia, most of the Russian people, especially Russian ethnicity is in Europe.
Not only that, but it has a long history of being focused on European history. Just in the last few centuries, it was always involved in the biggest events.
Fighting Napoleon along side Prussia, Great Britain, Portugal, Spain and Austria. Creating the alliance of the 3 Emperors between Germany, Russia and Austria.
Being a part of the Triple Entente during WW1. Being a part of the axis powers, invading Poland in 1939. Then switching to the Allies when Hitler invaded.
Russian royalty and nobility were marrying into other European houses. Until WW1, the monarchs of Russia, Germany and the United Kingdom were cousins.
These are just some examples. And not to say that Russia doesn't have politics and war in the east. But it's focus was in Europe.
Only during the Cold war did they get this mentality that there was a huge divide. The capitalistic west VS the communist east.
But with the fall of communism, Russia had an opportunity to normalize relations with Europe and become an contributing member, as it was before.
Too bad they got a dictator that still thinks in with the Cold era mentality.
So yeah, I'm ok with Germany getting uncomfortable cause they fucked this world up after 2 world wars and millions upon millions dead. So they get a little cold or warm or are 10th in the economy list versus 4 or whatever. Boo hoo. Maybe America will get all away from them and they'll truly be a Russian or China vassal - all their choices have been to spite the US - so dunno, maybe they learn what the lack of patience feels like.
Germany didn't cause WW1. They did contribute for it in some measure with the blank check. But other countries had bigger influence in this, such Austria-Hungary, Serbia and Russia.
France also had a decent contribution.
The truth of the matter is that it wasn't so much a country that started the war. It was the party that wanted war, in all these countries, that eventually won out the political maneuvering.
www.politico.com
