Quote (WiziLiCe @ Nov 16 2022 04:05pm)
Agreed.
This is what I'm having a hard time wrapping my head around. There would be a point in which, given the will of the majority and disregarding outside influences, 'overthrowing the sitting government' could be considered legitimate? Or this presupposes a malfunctioning democracy?
for it to be legitimate the sitting govt must be corruptly holding power. whether that was the case in 2010 in Ukraine i'd lean towards not, but would also mention they werent wildly popular either. it's not analogous to say the US ousting the taliban, who sickeningly have overwhelming support or at least a lack of descent.
Quote (Goomshill @ Nov 16 2022 04:10pm)
How does Russia's loss become our benefit? They aren't China, so its not a zero sum game.
if you're #1 the downfall of #2 or even #5 is still good for you. they're a solid #2 in nukes, a major competitor to the west in energy goods, a legit competitor in arms sales (to more seedy customers), and have been a direct foe recently in places like Syria.
whether it serves us to view and treat them like a foe is arguable, whether they're a competitor on a world scale in many avenues isn't.