I once heard an economist state the industry was rife with "science envy" - Economists WISH (and is his opinion) believe they are scientists who can reach a 100% accurate conclusion. In reality, they're closer to sociologists. They can only estimate most of the time.
Good post, and I appreciate the historic tie in to the fall of the Soviet Union and the "oligarchification" of the Russian economy. I would have liked more push back on Putin's claim that Ukraine is a part of Russia "created by lenin." It's absolutely not true and Ukraine has had a separate history, culture, and national identity for far more than 100 years. And Kiev was the heart of Slavic civilization long before Moscow or st. Petersburg. Putin is making a Russian nationalist argument yes, but it should also be pointed out clearly that it is a completely fabricated argument as well.
To be honest, I don't think it matters if Ukraine was a "historic" part of Russia. The borders and cultures of 1000 years ago mean little now, especially in Greater Europe where they've changed so much.
Sure, borders 1000 years ago dont matter a ton. But events of the last 1000 years do matter. And when the the ruler of Russia makes a false version of that history and culture his casus belli, it matters a lot. History matters when it is used to justify violence. Would you say that the stories we tell about slavery and the civil war don't matter today?
You know what, I think I misread your original comment. I agree that Putin's history is a fabricated argument. My bad, I thought you were saying the opposite.
Thank you for bring up "good vs evil." People are framing the 2024 U.S. Presidential election that way. I tell these folks that I don't believe in good or evil. I ask them to convince me another way. They say I'm being ridiculous and feel sorry for me because of my belief. But they can't come up with a convincing argument to vote for Biden except he isn't Trump. <shrug>
Pretty good piece, however I do disagree a bit on the point about Putin's nationalism. I think him citing that "Ukraine was once a part of Russia" is less something he believes in and more him just using a nationalistic argument to whip up support for the invasion. Keep in mind that when the Donbass voted in a referendum to leave Ukraine and become a part of Russia, Putin was the one who rejected it, since he feared it would be too much of an escalation with the West.
Aside from that though, this was a really good piece.
I agree with your sentiment about Putin's personal beliefs. IMO, it doesn't really matter if he is personally committed to uniting Ukraine and Russia or if he's just doing so for the nationalist effect. Regardless of his opinions, the result is the same.
I'm cautious about your referendum statement, though. The 2014 referendums were rejected by pretty much everyone (Ukraine, US, EU, etc.) due to "irregularities."
I agree. As I understand it, most of the oil pipelines run from Russia through Ukraine to Germany/France, so there's a key interest in making sure Ukrainian oil companies are friendly to the United States.
Milton Friedman holds an eternal high-ranking slot on my Shit List.
Thanks for putting this together, a really helpful re-contextualization after a few months of not thinking about this.
Friedman truly is one of the all-time worsts. He's like the Henry Kissenger of economics
If economics were a science it would have predictable results. Most economists are blowing smoke up our asses.
I once heard an economist state the industry was rife with "science envy" - Economists WISH (and is his opinion) believe they are scientists who can reach a 100% accurate conclusion. In reality, they're closer to sociologists. They can only estimate most of the time.
It's more like astrology. A pseudoscience.
Excellent analysis.
Thank you! I'm glad you appreciated it!
👍💜💕
Good post, and I appreciate the historic tie in to the fall of the Soviet Union and the "oligarchification" of the Russian economy. I would have liked more push back on Putin's claim that Ukraine is a part of Russia "created by lenin." It's absolutely not true and Ukraine has had a separate history, culture, and national identity for far more than 100 years. And Kiev was the heart of Slavic civilization long before Moscow or st. Petersburg. Putin is making a Russian nationalist argument yes, but it should also be pointed out clearly that it is a completely fabricated argument as well.
Thanks for your support!
To be honest, I don't think it matters if Ukraine was a "historic" part of Russia. The borders and cultures of 1000 years ago mean little now, especially in Greater Europe where they've changed so much.
Sure, borders 1000 years ago dont matter a ton. But events of the last 1000 years do matter. And when the the ruler of Russia makes a false version of that history and culture his casus belli, it matters a lot. History matters when it is used to justify violence. Would you say that the stories we tell about slavery and the civil war don't matter today?
You know what, I think I misread your original comment. I agree that Putin's history is a fabricated argument. My bad, I thought you were saying the opposite.
Thank you for bring up "good vs evil." People are framing the 2024 U.S. Presidential election that way. I tell these folks that I don't believe in good or evil. I ask them to convince me another way. They say I'm being ridiculous and feel sorry for me because of my belief. But they can't come up with a convincing argument to vote for Biden except he isn't Trump. <shrug>
"Good vs. Evil" really is a false binary. Almost nothing is that accurate, yet it is used to discuss every facet of life.
My point exactly. The world is a multitude, not binary. Learned that one from Hermann Hesse's "Steppenwolf".
Pretty good piece, however I do disagree a bit on the point about Putin's nationalism. I think him citing that "Ukraine was once a part of Russia" is less something he believes in and more him just using a nationalistic argument to whip up support for the invasion. Keep in mind that when the Donbass voted in a referendum to leave Ukraine and become a part of Russia, Putin was the one who rejected it, since he feared it would be too much of an escalation with the West.
Aside from that though, this was a really good piece.
Thanks for the kind words.
I agree with your sentiment about Putin's personal beliefs. IMO, it doesn't really matter if he is personally committed to uniting Ukraine and Russia or if he's just doing so for the nationalist effect. Regardless of his opinions, the result is the same.
I'm cautious about your referendum statement, though. The 2014 referendums were rejected by pretty much everyone (Ukraine, US, EU, etc.) due to "irregularities."
Take your last line and substitute Ukraine for Russia. We never learn.
I agree. As I understand it, most of the oil pipelines run from Russia through Ukraine to Germany/France, so there's a key interest in making sure Ukrainian oil companies are friendly to the United States.
Good read, liked how you tied "Marvelization" into this
I always pegged you as a marvel fan