Do Russians Approve of Their Country’s Aggressive Foreign Policy?

The question of whether Russians approve of the country's aggressive foreign policy has been a topic of much debate. The Russian government has frequently framed its actions as a necessity for national defense and sovereignty, rather than as an aggressive stance towards external powers.

Government Stance

Officially, the Russian government maintains that its foreign policy is not aggressive but rather a defense mechanism against foreign pressures. They argue that the government must stand firm against the United States and other powerful nations to protect the country's interests. Russian officials often state that anything less would be considered treason. However, skepticism and reservations among the populace remain.

The Role of Vladimir Putin

There is a degree of fear among the Russian public regarding any approval of government policies, particularly those related to foreign affairs. Many Russians deferring to President Vladimir Putin for guidance on these matters. This may be due to a perceived lack of public debate and transparency surrounding foreign policy decisions.

Discussion on Military Capabilities and Resource Allocation

A recent exchange with a friend led to a detailed discussion on the military and resource allocation. My friend suggested that much of the money spent on military operations and infrastructure is ‘stolen’ from the Russian people. I countered this by explaining that the Russian people contribute little economic value due to subpar labor, leading to the necessity for resources to be provided by Western technologies and expertise.

Raw Materials and International Support

Raw materials, like oil and gas, are often argued as being 'owned' by the Russian people. However, the argument that the Yakut tribe, which possessed rich deposits of diamonds, gold, and other resources, speaks to the need for technological capabilities to access and utilize these resources. Without these capabilities, even vast resources bring little economic gain.

I argued that much of the wealth generated through the sale of raw materials has been paid for by Western taxpayers, particularly through the US and German governments. This means that Western taxpayers have financed the luxurious lifestyles of Russian oligarchs and cronies. This includes the construction of palaces, villas, and mansions, which are symbols of the Putin regime's ambitions.

Corruption and Economic Impact

A significant portion of the wealth generated from these resources has been used for internal security and military expenditure, reaching nearly 40% of the total. This is a concerning trend, as it reflects a deepening of the Russian state's reliance on these expenditures. Additionally, almost half of the revenue from raw materials is spent on acts of violence against Russian-speaking citizens of Ukraine, highlighting the regime's harsh and oppressive nature.

It is clear that the Russian government's decisions and actions have a direct impact on the Russian people. The shrinking of living spaces, such as new apartment studios that are now comparable to prison cells, speaks to the financial strain placed on ordinary Russians. The constant threat of human rights violations, torture, and imprisonment also weigh heavily on the citizens of Russia.

In summary, while the Russian government portrays its actions as a form of defense, there is significant evidence to suggest that the regime is engaging in aggressive foreign policies and internal control. These actions are funded by the hard work and wealth of ordinary Western citizens, who support the economic systems and institutions that have financed the lavish lifestyles of Russian elites.

Key Takeaways:

The Russian government portrays its foreign policy as a defense mechanism rather than aggression. The populace often defers to President Putin for guidance, indicating a lack of public debate and transparency. Significant wealth from raw materials sales is generated by Western taxpayers, financing the luxurious lifestyles of Russian elites. A large portion of this wealth is used for internal security and military expenditure, while nearly half is spent on violent acts.