Ideal adversaries use the tactics we expect, as part of a strategy we understand, and work on a timescale that gives us plenty of time to react.
The regime of Vladimir Putin is not stupid and it does none of those things. For a start, it has different priorities to us: it is prepared to accept economic pain, take risks and lie expertly and shamelessly (none of which the West is ready to do). Our leaders, wedded to the idea of a multilateral, rule-based world, with decisions reached through dialogue not confrontation, find Russia’s ways baffling.
The tactics are confusing too. A …read more
Source: European Voice
