Robert Schweishelm

Russia is now the 4th largest economy in the world (PPP), which suggests a successful decoupling from the West: - For 300 years (since Peter the Great), Russia looked to the West for modernization and economic integration - After the Western-backed coup in 2014, to make Ukraine a frontline rather than a bridge, Russia abandoned its Western-centric foreign policy - Switching from Greater Europe to the Greater Eurasia Initiative entails pursuing economic connectivity primarily with the East: Technologies, natural resources, industries, transportation corridors, banks, payment systems, insurances, currencies etc. - While Western leaders speak about expanding a military bloc, defeating Russia on the battlefield, destroying its economy, regime change, dismantling the country - the more economically dynamic and friendly East is accommodating Russia - Perhaps it is time to rethink our decision after the Cold War to redivide Europe, and gradually push militarised dividing lines toward Russian borders. Was this a recipe for peace? Does this enhance our security, our economy, our political influence in the world? - Perhaps it is time to restart diplomacy and look for post-hegemonic ways to peacefully coexist (without surrounding Russia with NATO military infrastructure)? tass.com/economy/1797895