reply to post by TheCoffinman
Presumably like you, something I pay more close attention to is the Russian posturing and their foreign policy.
It could simply be that I wasn't paying as much attention at the time, but the 1990's seemed to be a calmer period, perhaps just "getting the house
in order" after the collapse?
But over the last few years it seems the Russia discussion (and global presence) has increased.
We've had various incidents from poisoning dissidents in London, to being found cruising close to foreign shores in subs, to the resumption of
"exercise" flights by Russian bombers into British airspace.
There's no doubt that Russia used their time well. During the 1990's they made great leaps in their leadership of energy supply, and are now able to
hold several European nations to ransom.
What does concern me, is that if the shift of global leadership does slide toward Russia, they seemingly have everything at hand.
The main issue with any dominating army is fuel IMO, both for the machines of an army and the soldiers controlling it.
Within weeks they could gain control of several neighbours, securing increased food supplies and fuel routes.
Shutting off supplies to the rest of Europe would deal a massive blow to our defences if we haven't considered this as much as I think we should
have.
I'm not saying this will happen, but it does seem that if they wanted to gain control of vast swathes of Europe, it will only be five or ten years
before they're in an amazing position to actually be able to pull it off.
My next port of call will be to see their military spending and build-up. It's something I haven't looked at yet because I've been focussed on the
economy.
That would be a clear indicator of future intent.