Conservative commentator Paul Greenberg has posted a column on Vladimir Putin's Munich speech over at Townhall.com, which argues that Russia's lack of an ideology is a distinct improvement from the Cold War. In the same column, he applauds the sacking of the administration's most belligerant voices, Donald Rumsfeld and John Bolton, and return of the rational "old conservatism of quiet good sense." (For my thoughts on U.S. partisanship and the Russia debate, see this previous post.)
From Townhall.com:
Russia's new autocrat has a point. Freedom, democracy, fair elections of course they're in America's national interest. But they also benefit those nations that adopt them and the world in general. Because a freer world would be a safer world. Democracies may have their differences, but free and slave societies tend to have wars.As familiar as all this Cold War rhetoric is, something's missing. Where's the call for international revolution, for the masses to rise up in revolt? There wasn't a trace of anything like that in Vladimir Putin's polemic. Because now the United States and the West in general are being assailed by a Russian leader, not a Soviet one, and Russia no longer represents a dynamic, revolutionary ideology. Today its leader speaks only for, to borrow a phrase, "the foreign policy interests of one country." The Russian bear has reverted to its 19th Century role as one more great power playing the Great Game of realpolitik, nothing more.
Winston Churchill's old theory about what motivates Russian foreign policy is acutely relevant again: "I cannot forecast to you the action of Russia. It is a riddle, wrapped in a mystery, inside an enigma, but perhaps there is a key. That key is Russian national interest."
As the ideological wrapping comes off Russia's actions, they are revealed as those of just another imperial power seeking to assert itself. Now free of the Marxist dogma and the impulsive decisions it inspired - like deploying nuclear missiles in Fidel Castro's Cuba - Russia's actions become less dangerous, more predictable.
This not-so-new Russia is basically asking only for what the old, czarist one sought: power, respect, fear. Not worldwide revolution. That's a definite improvement.
And here is Greenberg's argument that the Bush administration is becoming more multilateral:
The idea that conservative rhetoric should show a decent restrain is being revived. The Ann Coulters are still valued, but only for their entertainment value. The old conservatism of quiet good sense, even good humor, is making a comeback, the neo brand is being phased out.The realization dawns that there's no need to respond in opposite but equally strident tones to every vitriolic attack on American policy from a Putin or Chavez or Ahmedinejad. That, too, is a decided improvement. This republic, unlike Russia's resurgent autocracy, is too powerful to have to emphasize its power.
One keeps hearing demands from this president's critics that he change his ways, adopt a more multilateral approach, and generally moderate his foreign policy. Let's not spoil their fun by pointing out that he has already done so.
I'm frankly amazed that this guy's analysis gets to see the light of day. It's just more proof of how much goo we still have to wade through where Russia is concerned.
First of all, the departure of Rummy has NOTHING to do with Russia.
Second, Rummy-dominated policy was PRO Russia. It was Rummy-Bush who "looked into they eyes of Putin." There's no way any president could be more pro-Russia than Bush II.
Third, it makes absolutely no difference whether Russia is ideological or not because it simply doesn't have the power to export revolution now. It can barely hold itself together. Russia can't afford ideology. But the point is that it is attempting to get itself into a position where it CAN afford it. First things first, after all.
Fourth, I fail to see how Georgia or Estonia being colonized out of sheer greed, as opposed to Comminist fervor, can be of any consolation to anyone.
Finally, is this man insane? Is he saying he thinks Russians REALLY BELIEVED all that ideological hogwash? Give me a break! The vast majority of Russians rejected the Communist party. It was merely a cloak for exactly the same kind of imperialist greed that we see now, more crudely displayed.
I fail to see how the free election of a proud KGB spy to two terms by landslide, followed by the nationalization of private assets, the demolition of the media and the abolition of local elections can be viewed as anything other than the most rapid steps possible right back towards the Cold War.
I agree with you, LR. This guy clearly doesn't know what he is talking about. It's also interesting that he fails to mention the timing of Rummy and Bolton leaving - it's not because the Bush administration has made a policy adjustment, it he's facing Dem majorities and an angry nation!
I'm also inclined to agree that the sheer greed at the top of that government is just as dangerous as an ideology.