I don't have the background to assess all this but it's interesting & eye opening. The mafia issue is one thing that apparently causes Russians to appreciate Putin. Just like some Iraquis feared the sectarian violence without Hussein, a lot of Russians appear to fear the criminal violence without Putin which makes it all the crueler that he never even bothered to build a state that would function after he dies...just for that little bit of assurance he could not be deposed.
I understand this piece is a bit out of the norm, but also I did my best to reference and link credible sources to establish my facts. I do my best to maintain intellectual honesty and am open to corrections and criticism for sure.
Yes, I think many cultures value strongman type leadership fearing their society could not evolve to a healthier place, knowing there are such strong criminal elements, they believe they need even more ruthless political leadership to contain it. I think this is an unfortunate aspect of the human condition, and it can be exploited and run away into fascism essentially. This sort of fearful culture/thinking selects the most vicious psychopaths to the top of the food chain, unfortunately.
Rule of law and separation of powers helps to evolve away from this. Not perfect, and subject to corruption and backsliding. But better than the authoritarian alternative imo. cheers
I don't have the background to assess all this but it's interesting & eye opening. The mafia issue is one thing that apparently causes Russians to appreciate Putin. Just like some Iraquis feared the sectarian violence without Hussein, a lot of Russians appear to fear the criminal violence without Putin which makes it all the crueler that he never even bothered to build a state that would function after he dies...just for that little bit of assurance he could not be deposed.
Thanks for reading and commenting Ro!
I understand this piece is a bit out of the norm, but also I did my best to reference and link credible sources to establish my facts. I do my best to maintain intellectual honesty and am open to corrections and criticism for sure.
Yes, I think many cultures value strongman type leadership fearing their society could not evolve to a healthier place, knowing there are such strong criminal elements, they believe they need even more ruthless political leadership to contain it. I think this is an unfortunate aspect of the human condition, and it can be exploited and run away into fascism essentially. This sort of fearful culture/thinking selects the most vicious psychopaths to the top of the food chain, unfortunately.
Rule of law and separation of powers helps to evolve away from this. Not perfect, and subject to corruption and backsliding. But better than the authoritarian alternative imo. cheers
It's a very helpful piece!!!