Trying to understand the Russian invasion of Ukraine from the exclusive viewpoint of modern Western democracy is to ignore the long history of authoritarian leadership in Russia.
The scientific method requires free and open dissent from any scientific hypothesis. Yet JAMA is requesting that medical boards become a new Inquisition to root out heresy and apostasy from CDC doctrines.
Those gloating about Russia being "cut off" are overstating the case. In fact, many of the world's largest countries have shown a reluctance to participate in the US's sanction schemes, and even close US allies aren't going along with it.
Russia and China may share an interest in countering US hegemony, but the two states also must deal with many sources of conflict, from trade blocs to border wars.
From economic power to demographics to military spending, Russia simply doesn't have the ability to be a great power that threatens anyone outside its "near abroad."
Here in Canada, the trucker protesters (and their supporters) have been civil and maintained the usual Canadian niceness. This civility has not been reciprocated by the political class.
