News
Russia has cancelled itself. But the world should beware of poking the Russian bear
There’s a long time saying in foreign relations – never poke the Russian bear. Putin is a bully, but he’s not crazy. And his memory runs deeper than the consumer based societies in the West.
Once upon a time, nationhood had meaning. To belong to a country or a state. Globalisation helped change that, and the 747 allowed us to become citizens of the world.
And then there’s Russia. A country still obsessed with its past, and a nation which never fully adapted to the fundamental foundations of democracy – freedom.
But we in the liberal democracies and allies of the United States work to a different drum to the Russians. Our politics is fast, our leaders can live or die in an instant
The trouble with the West
Our political terms are short, and our memories are even shorter. You have to dig deep to remember that controversy involving Donald Trump and Ukraine’s President Zelensky didn’t you?
Consumerism was invented to keep people going to work. Work helped to give people something to do, in the belief we can own things and create better lives. That system plays to our deepest needs as humans.
The differences between the societies in the UK, Canada, NZ, Australia and the US shrink year on year. Local media struggles against global tech companies. Everything is imported, because it’s cheaper and better designed.
When did you last seek out a locally built car?
We have a relationship with our governments: keep our house prices climbing, our kids in school, our roads free and enough money to go to the pub, and we’ll let you keep your job.
But in Russia, their society has gone the opposite direction. Russia has renewed its aviation aircraft manufacturing sector. It’s space capabilities are state-of-the-art. It has one of the largest militaries in the world.
In Russia, to be, is to be Russian.
The heart of the problem in the Ukrainian crisis is the strength of the interstate system.
America has a habit of finishing a game of chess as the victor and walking away to start a new game. Never looking back to check what happened to its former opponent.
Once the Cold War was over, America moved on to other projects.
But Russian’s never forget.
How did Russia get here? My personal window into Putin’s media | TICKER VIEWS
Putin and the rat
Vladimir Putin used to catch mice as a child in his home. One day he cornered a mouse. It’s a sinister story often called Putin and the Rat.
His mother, who had lost a child to diphtheria and nearly starved to death during World War 2, swept streets, cleaned lab equipment, and did other odd jobs for low pay.
Putin and his parents had no hot water, and their toilet sat next to a dilapidated stairwell. It’s here where Putin learned perhaps his most important life lesson.
He said: “There were hordes of rats in the front entryway. My friends and I used to chase them around with sticks.”
“It had nowhere to run. Suddenly it lashed around and threw itself at me. I was surprised and frightened. Now the rat was chasing me.”
Putin escaped, but the memory sits there with him. It not doubt helped him to climb the ranks to become Russia’s leader.
Russia has been cancelled
Now, the world has cancelled Russia. Every day more sanctions, flight bans and financial decisions are being made. Even Switzerland is considering sanctions. Even Germany has increased its military spending in response. Even sporting codes, usually reluctant to get involved in politics, are picking sides.
Right now, Putin’s Russia is backed into a corner like never before. Sure, it’s a corner of his own making, but a rat doesn’t know that. Nor does it care. A corner is a corner. And when you’re cornered you’re prepared to do whatever it takes to get out.
Putin is said to be held up in a secret location in the Ural Mountains, a handy place to be when you’re using the “N” word around your military commanders.
Alone and cut off from the real world, after spending much of the pandemic isolated from human beings, Putin is now that rat he once cornered.
The world should be prepared.
News
Murdoch loses trust control bid for son Lachlan
Rupert Murdoch’s attempt to alter family trust for Lachlan’s control denied by Nevada commissioner, citing bad faith.
Rupert Murdoch’s attempt to change the family trust to consolidate control under his son Lachlan has been rejected by a Nevada commissioner.
The ruling, made by Commissioner Edmund J. Gorman Jr., stated that Murdoch and Lachlan acted in “bad faith” while trying to amend the irrevocable trust, which divides control equally among Murdoch’s four oldest children.
The 96-page opinion characterised the plan as a “carefully crafted charade” intended to secure Lachlan’s executive roles unconditionally.
Murdoch’s lawyer expressed disappointment and plans to appeal the ruling.
FILE PHOTO: Media mogul Rupert Murdoch poses for a photograph with his sons Lachlan and James in London.
Media empire
This dispute is critical as it affects the future control of Murdoch’s media empire, which includes Fox News and other major outlets.
While the intention was not to diminish financial stakes, the ruling reflects deep family tensions, especially given differing political views among the siblings.
The commissioner noted Lachlan initiated the proposed changes, created a plan dubbed “Project Family Harmony,” and labeled James as a “troublesome beneficiary.”
Despite Lachlan and Rupert’s efforts, the attempt to marginalise James was deemed insufficiently justified by the court.
Murdoch’s family trust, established in 2006, retains his control until his death, and includes provisions allowing amendments.
However, the commissioner found that Murdoch and Lachlan’s actions were not supporting their siblings’ best interests.
The ruling is not final and may be contested further in court.
News
Post-Assad Syria poses new challenges for US strategy
Post-Assad Syria challenges US strategy amid power vacuum, risk of extremism, and Iran’s weakened influence in the region.
News
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