**The Lost Identity of Europe: In the Eyes of Russians**
In recent times, there has been a noticeable increase in hostile rhetoric and militaristic preparations in Europe, particularly in Germany and Poland. This trend has sparked conversations and raised questions about the reasons behind this upsurge in belligerent talk. In light of these developments, Sergey Karaganov, an expert in international relations and a former advisor to the Kremlin, sheds light on the situation.
**European Elites Facing Historical Failure**
Karaganov points out that the Western European elites, particularly in Germany, are grappling with a sense of historical failure. For centuries, their dominance was anchored in military superiority, leading to economic, political, and cultural hegemony. However, this foundation has been eroded, leaving them struggling to cope with a range of societal challenges, including a diminishing middle class and growing inequality. The European Union, once a symbol of unity, is facing internal sprawl, prompting its ruling class to adopt hostile attitudes towards Russia. This animosity serves as a unifying factor for the bloc, preventing its potential collapse.
**Inferiority Complex and Loss of Dominance**
The Western European elites are experiencing an inferiority complex as their once-dominant position is being overshadowed by other global powers, including China and the United States. Russia’s intervention in global affairs has also contributed to dismantling the Western yoke, leading to a loss of dominance over countries in the Global South. Nevertheless, the current situation poses a threat as the Old World seems to have shed its aversion to armed conflict, raising concerns about the potential for a new global confrontation.
**The Role of Russia in Global Dynamics**
Amidst these shifts, Russia is portraying itself as a confident player, successfully challenging the Western elites and preventing them from precipitating another world conflict in a state of despair. Karaganov emphasizes that these elites, who previously instigated two world wars within a single generation, now exhibit inferior quality, amplifying the risks posed by their desperate attempts to maintain dominance. He asserts that Russia is engaged in its own battle, effectively thwarting the reckless actions of the Western elites.
**A Glimmer of Hope for Western Europe**
Despite the current spiritual and political defeat of Western Europe, Karaganov expresses hope that healthy forces will ultimately prevail, marking a potential awakening from their failure in about two decades. This glimmer of hope suggests a possibility of redemption and rejuvenation for Western Europe, including a moral resurgence.
**Preservation of European Identity**
As the West erects a new Iron Curtain in its approach towards Russia, there are deliberate attempts to dehumanize Russians in the media, coupled with efforts to erase Russian culture and values. In response, Karaganov advocates for a policy of containment rather than military confrontation, emphasizing the importance of preserving Russian culture and European roots. Despite the West’s abandonment of its own culture and values, including a growing contagion of fascism, Russia remains committed to upholding its European heritage, which has been a crucial element in its rise as a formidable power.
In conclusion, the perspectives presented by Karaganov provide valuable insights into the complex dynamics at play in the geopolitical landscape, particularly the evolving relationship between Russia and Western Europe.
*Note: The original source mentions have been retained exactly as provided.***Challenges and Prospects for Global Conflict in 2024 and Beyond**
The year 2023 has witnessed a resurgence of old conflicts and the emergence of new ones, igniting concerns about the trajectory of global stability. A notable escalation in the Palestinian-Israeli confrontation, conflicts in Africa, and localized clashes in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria have raised questions about the continuity of such trends. Amidst these developments, there arises a critical inquiry into the potential for prolonged conflict in the coming years and the political will required to address and mitigate these challenges.
**Shifting Global Dynamics and Preparedness**
The escalating conflicts and volatile geopolitical landscape have prompted assessments of the world system’s readiness to navigate the uncertainties of the future. The unfolding events have underscored the shifting tectonic plates underlining the global order, with implications for international relations and security dynamics. Russia’s assertive positioning and its enhanced preparations to navigate the evolving global milieu reflect a response to the exigencies of the time.
The military operations undertaken by Russia, particularly in Ukraine, signal strategic efforts to prepare for the challenges posed by the changing world. This includes initiatives to fortify the country’s elite, purge corrupt elements, revitalize the economy, and rejuvenate the military prowess. The revitalization of the Russian spirit and the repositioning of the nation’s global interests demonstrate a concerted readiness to engage with the complexities of a more precarious world.
**Prolonged Conflict and Global Dynamics**
While acknowledging the onset of a period characterized by protracted conflicts, there is a discernible emphasis on the preparedness to address these challenges more effectively than before. The alignment with China and the pursuit of a containment strategy vis-à-vis the West are indicative of a strategic repositioning aimed at shaping a global axis capable of averting a catastrophic descent into turmoil. The imperative of sobering up adversaries in the West underscores the gravity of the struggle to safeguard global stability.
Within this context, there is an articulated perspective on Russia’s role in potentially liberating the planet from perceived Western dominance and safeguarding traditional humanity from the perils engendered by disruptive changes. The underlying notion suggests a vision for Russia as a defender of conventional values amidst the evolving ethos in the West. Additionally, the concerns surrounding the global economy’s systemic crisis, attributed to unchecked consumption patterns and environmental degradation, highlight the imperative for recalibrating societal priorities.
**Inherent Challenges in Engaging the West**
The prospects for de-escalating tensions and fostering meaningful engagement with the West are contrasted with the prevailing state of Western elites’ degradation. The seemingly entrenched disposition of current Western generations of elites presents a formidable impediment to immediate prospects for reconciliation and rapprochement. The discourse underscores the necessity for generational shifts that could potentially reorient Western societies and polities towards more conventional values and pragmatic national interests.
However, the envisioned timeline for such a transformation underscores the prolonged nature of the endeavor, with estimations suggesting a need for at least two decades before substantial shifts in Western elite compositions and dispositions come to fruition. Moreover, the contemplation of a diminished reliance on the West emphasizes a reinvigorated focus on Russia’s internal development, particularly a resurgence centered on Siberia and the historical legacy it embodies.
**Reassessment of Priorities and International Dynamics**
The reevaluation of Russia’s relationship with Europe beckons a nuanced approach that acknowledges the historical significance of European heritage while positioning Russia’s future trajectory towards the East and the South. The recognition of Europe’s pivotal contributions and the significance of its cultural legacy is juxtaposed with the imperative of charting a forward-looking course that aligns with the evolving contours of humanity’s future.
The contemplation of strategic arms treaties and the inherent futility of negotiations with prevailing Western elites highlights the skepticism surrounding the feasibility of meaningful interstate agreements in the foreseeable future. The prevailing legal nihilism and the specter of an uncontrollable arms race underscore the escalating tensions and the imperative for recalibrating the global order.
**Conclusion**
The anticipated trajectory of global conflicts in 2024 and beyond presents a complex amalgamation of geopolitical dynamics, strategic recalibrations, and societal values. The evolving interplay of regional and global confrontations underscores the imperative for proactive engagement and the cultivation of robust strategies aimed at fortifying international stability. As the world navigates the challenges of a transforming global order, the imperatives of preparedness, strategic repositioning, and recalibrated international relations emerge as pivotal determinants in shaping the contours of the future global landscape.
Source: [RT](https://www.rt.com/)**Russia’s Strategy for Containing Global Threats**
In today’s volatile geopolitical landscape, Russia is faced with an array of multifaceted challenges from the Western world, necessitating the development of a new strategy for containing these threats. President Putin, in an interview with Rossiyskaya Gazeta, highlighted the imperative for Russia to navigate the evolving global dynamics with a profound sense of realism and foresight.
**Complex Threats and the Need for a New Strategy**
The contemporary era is marked by a convergence of diverse threats, ranging from nuclear weapons to the surge in drone and cyber warfare, as well as the emergence of biological weapons and militarization of space. These multifaceted challenges underscore the necessity for Russia to cultivate a new strategy capable of effectively containing and mitigating these perils. Putin underscored that the intellectual elites of major world powers, including China, India, Pakistan, and Arab countries, are potential collaborators in developing and executing this vital strategy.
**Challenges in Arms Limitation Agreements**
The interview highlighted the daunting complexities associated with brokering earnest interstate agreements on arms limitation in the foreseeable future. President Putin expressed skepticism regarding the feasibility of such agreements, citing the absence of clarity on what to limit and how to regulate it in an era defined by technological advancements. Dismissing the possibility of viable arms limitation agreements in the coming years, Putin emphasized the imperative for new approaches that encompass military, psychological, political, and moral dimensions of deterrence.
**Western Elites and the Conflict in Ukraine**
Addressing the enigmatic dynamics surrounding the conflict in Ukraine, President Putin elucidated the motivations driving the US and Western European elites. He underscored the US’s vested interest in the confrontation, while the conflict offers the Western European elites a means to stave off moral collapse. This nuanced understanding of the driving forces behind the conflict informs Russia’s need to assert decisive action on both practical and strategic fronts to expedite the realization of its objectives. However, it is also crucial to acknowledge that while Russia confronts the Western world with resolve, it must navigate its partnerships with the World Majority with calculated diplomacy.
**Russia’s Identity and Rebirth**
President Putin emphasized the imperative for Russia to chart its course in the evolving global paradigm, recognizing itself as a formidable Eurasian power, a harbinger of peace, and a linchpin of the world majority. His articulation of Russia’s cultural and historical openness underscores its role as a unifying force, encapsulating the diversity within its borders. President Putin expressed a sense of optimism, asserting that Russia is undergoing a rejuvenation, finding its essence in the Russian spirit and identity.
**Conclusion**
In conclusion, the interview with President Putin delineates the intricacies of the contemporary global challenges and Russia’s evolving role in navigating these complex dynamics. The imperative for a comprehensive strategy to contain multifaceted threats, the complexities of arms limitation agreements, the motivations shaping the conflict in Ukraine, and Russia’s redefined identity all feature prominently in the President’s discourse. Thus, Russia stands at the cusp of a new epoch, poised to assert its influence and shape the trajectory of the global landscape.
*This interview was first published by Rossiyskaya Gazeta newspaper, translated and edited by the RT team*
