Russia's Perpetual Geopolitics: The Gap between Ambition and Capability

TLDRRussia's perennial quest for power exceeds its capabilities, leading to a cycle of aggression and weakness. This pattern, rooted in a sense of providential mission, is not an innate cultural trait but a strategic choice. Putin's leadership embodies this pattern, with his personalist rule undermining the strong state he aims to build. The West's response to Russia's aggression highlights the advantage of unity and the power of Western institutions. Ultimately, a different strategic choice by Russia, focusing on internal development rather than futile competition with the West, could lead to a more stable international order.