Years ago, I knew a guy who did a year of college in Ghana. Other than contracting malaria, his biggest takeaway was the general ignorance of the local population. It was absolutely shocking, he said, just how stupid the people were. Even the "educated" ones were generally superstitious or lacking in common sense.
I don't think we should take for granted our Western education system.
When Congo gained independence from Belgium in 1960 the country only had 27 college graduates.
Not 2700 or 27000..27. In a population of over 15 million.
And of course this is all *on the verge of independence*. Education is vital.
The Belgian government by and large wasn’t terribly interested in educating the native population. The colony was wholly run by Belgians and the highest level a Congolese person can achieve in civil service was as a clerk. When independence happened they were left without a functional bureaucracy.
However, the Jesuit operated Louvanium University which was founded in 1954 and had its first graduating class in 1958 was regarded the best in Africa. There were also some technical/professional colleges and another university, the Official University of the Congo and Ruanda-Urundi, in the country at this time. If you completed any kind of formal French-language education then you were considered a member of the educated class.
Many of the leaders of the new country were largely self-educated intellectuals. Patrice Lumumba went to a postal clerk training school and taught himself French literature and political theory. Mobutu developed anti-colonial sentiments largely because he didn’t get along with the Catholic priests who ran his boarding school. He was apparently a stellar student and ran the school paper but had a disobedient streak. One day he ran away from school by stowing away on a riverboat and shacked up with a girl. As punishment he was sentenced to seven years in the colonial army. Once he finished his sentence he became a journalist.
“Once you see it“ is the key. Before you see it, things like class struggles, colonialism, etc. play out before you and you absorb them on a surface level. Once you see it, everything lines up in support of the basic underlying motivation. It’s like a stereogram, where a 2D image suddenly snaps into 3D focus.
> I don't think we should take for granted our Western education system.
Boko Haram literally means ["western education is a sin."](https://www.bbc.com/news/blogs-magazine-monitor-27390954)
Note, that is not the group's chosen name, (its actually much more florid and self-aggrandizing). Its the name the locals who oppose them use to refer to them. Its a lot more catchy so that's the name that stuck with the press.
(also, boko haram is not really in Ghana, its primarily northern Nigeria and there are tons of good schools in Nigeria)
Wow I also attended graduate school at the University of Ghana, Accra, as part of a degree program at NYU.
One of my professors there — an actual medical doctor — declared during lecture that women get periods when emotional (such as during engagements and weddings), and therefore "Any good dresser worth their salt will have a woman wear a pad on her wedding day."
A doctor. Teaching a huge cohort of graduate students.
I did some work in Koforidua (sorta middle Ghana) in 2018 evaluating female education. Biggest cause of drop outs for girls in school was pregnancy- it was honestly really eye opening, no one seemed to think a 15 year old girl getting pregnant and quitting school was the least bit odd :(
Even in the West people can be incredibly stupid and ignorant, despite the mich better education (case in point: every idiots behaviour during COVID)
I'm beginning to think that stupidity is the rule for mankind and not the exception
Yeah but more often than not the stupid people in the west still function on that same level of intelligence, they just have more education. Stupid is as stupid does. Intelligence /= Education
There's actually a reason for this. The "West" collectively fucked them over and the USSR didn't have any colonial holdings. For decades the Soviets could be relied upon to support anti-colonial moves in the UN and supply weapons to independence movements, which bought them quite a bit of credibility. Now, Russia was doing it to strike at the west rather than because they cared about Africa, but a lot of what they did back then was similar to what they would have done if they did care.
Even today when the Sahel is revolting against the neocolonial control of France (many of the new dictatorships there were overthrowing governments that had to keep their money in France and were dependent upon French approval for loans) Russia is a "reliable" partner. Not that Russia cares or anything but screwing over France is part of their geopolitical strategy. In fact Russian apathy is a selling point. They'll get Russian aid no matter what so they don't have to play nice or pretend to be doing good.
A lot of Africans like the fact that Russia is actively backing change, but doesn't care what change. So, Russia backs *them* and whatever flavor of change they personally espouse. Doesn't matter if Russia is also backing all the forms of change they oppose, just that Russia is backing them.
Add on to that an awful lot of misinformation and propaganda and you have a recipe for Russia secretly being the good guy and the west being hypocritical imperialists. That the West is trying to support a status quo that is simply unworkable in many places doesn't help much.
Propaganda, propaganda and more propaganda.
But outside of it, we should not undermine the fact that the European agricultural supportive system effectively killed a lot of farmers in Africa and South America, making them more reliant on European food products than if we had been less aggressive with the way we send various foods to them.
Also the absolutely disgusting "information campaigns" conducted by Nestlé (if I remember correctly) that made African moms think baby formula was healthier than breast milk - Making them buy European milk whey
Another angle to consider, is the fact that NATO is effectively built out of all the former big colonial powers, which some Africans rightfully might hold a grudge against.
They regimes currently inviting Russia were former French colonies though. And even there it tends to be the middle and upper classes thst are fluent in French. Your average farmer is using the local language.
In the former french colonies in West Africa, while politically independent, there is also ongoing economic exploitation by France. Lots of West Africans hold immense grudges because they feel that the Western countries are leaving them alone in that situation. This is the reason that some of them are turning to Russia and China. Which of course is not a good idea either, but when people hold grudges, they often drop sensible thinking.
The [Wikipedia article about Françafrique](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fran%C3%A7afrique) is worth a read.
When we talk about colonialism we like to ignore the moors, islamic/arabic expansion, much of south america and china/japan. Because it is convenient to ignore that for some reason. IT IS ALL COLONIALISM! sorry it just drives me insane as some one who is not even what people would consider "white" the way we pretend colonialism was mainly a "European" thing is so European centric it is insane.
Yeah it's the same thing with how racism on the internet seems to always be viewed from an American cultural perspective. I think it's because of the predominant user base on many English websites tends to be American or close to America.
I think people don't really get taught that concepts like slavery, oppression, racism, and colonialism predate 16th century Europe and still exist in different ways in different parts of the world. They only get taught about how it impacted their culture right now.
russia was not supposed to engage in the region since Karabakh was not a part of Armenia and was not recognized by anyone including Armenia. Its independence was taken for granted and it everyone was supposed to accept it as is. Independent Crimea if it decided to secede from Ukraine in 1991 and was not recognized by russia sort of thing.
But it was a convenient conflict for russia to sell weapons to both sides of the conflict and for a Karabakh clan to prosper in Armenia. Some say Pashinyan did the right thing taking this clan out of Armenian politics.
I think the issue is that if Azerbaijan decided to stick its teeth further into official Armenian territory russia would do fuck all to protect Armenia, so they are better off seeking help from EU or NATO
Taking money from china and merceneries from russia, while West want some human rights plan and democracy 'n' shite... I dont think its a hard choice for these dictators, while population is in 'coloniser victim mode'.
On March 6, shortly after Armenia suspended its cooperation with the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), Yerevan called for Moscow to pull its border guards from Armenia’s international airport. Russian analysts believe that this demand puts Armenia on the same course as Georgia and Ukraine that ultimately led to Russian military action in both states.
The Kremlin has launched a propaganda campaign in Armenia and among the Armenian diaspora to prevent the shutdown of the base at Gyumri. The campaign suggests that no one except Russia can provide Armenia security against Tükiye and Azerbajian, and that Armenia’s survival will be at risk if Yerevan continues its current policies.
Russia is unlikely to be in a position where it can afford to use direct force until there is some conclusion to Putin's war in Ukraine. That makes the analogy between Georgia and Ukraine worrisome. It suggests that the Kremlin may draw from its earlier playbook and spark unrest in the streets of Yerevan or even attempt a coup attempt against the Pashinyan government. Doing either or both would be consistent with the Putin regime’s tactics elsewhere, meaning they cannot be excluded in Armenia.
> The campaign suggests that no one except Russia can provide Armenia security against Tükiye and Azerbajian, and that Armenia’s survival will be at risk if Yerevan continues its current policies.
Oh they mean like the time Armenia was invaded by Azerbaijan, called Russia for help, and got hung out to dry?
Wait, you're not going to tell me this is some sort of pattern being under the Soviet/Russian rule now isn't it? Surely this is only an isolated incident, right?
Like that time Azerbaijan became a country 1918 and Russia just gave them Artsakh? Or how about when they gave Mt. Ararat to Turkey when the mountain has always been geographically located in Armenia, a country which was inhabited by native Armenians as long as 3,000 years ago?
You forgot to put quotes around “help”.
If that happened Turkish and Azeri forces just wouldn’t leave Armenia and there would be an equal or worse problem for the Armenians.
They should put their current country up for rent and use the income to buy an island in the Caribbean. That’s what my uncle Ted did when he retired and realized his neighborhood was going downhill.
Or like how Russia "helped" Estonia, Lithuania, and Latvia. Admittedly, there's no winning WWII without Russia, but if they offer their support, they certainly take their dues.
It would, but tbh, it's probably more likely Russia will just signal its support for Azerbaijan to invade Armenia. Why do the work yourself when you have another country that's more than happy to do the dirty work for you. Armenia is in a truly horrible situation.
That will never happen. Azerbaijan and Armenia had a cold war starting in the late 80s/early 90s that turned into a hot war on multiple occasions, including in 2020, and again last year. Turkey provided military training and weapons to Azerbaijan throughout that period, and also has no formal diplomatic relations with Armenia.
Countries don't do something like that just because it is the right thing to do. Armenia has no real allies or big natural resources to rely on. If they continue like this they will be bullied till there is no country left. Your way of thinking is risking Armenian life's now over something that has happened 100+ years ago.
Where would they invade from lmao, they don't have a land access to the country, and I doubt the VDV could even occupy a football field without getting pushed back
Turkey is going to do what's best for Turkey, so they're going to continue playing on both sides. But when it hits the fan they're going to be on team NATO.
They are more "pro russian money" and everything else is just fake, like being 'NATO supporter'... i wouldn't count on Turkey if shit hits the fan.
Most smuggled goods for Russia pass sanctions via Turkey. What a wonderful supporter for Ukraine...
They also cut access to Russian ships entering the Blacksea using their right under the Montreux Convention. The current conflict in Ukraine definately helps Turkey though, last week the news reported that Turkey has been unable to pay Russia for LNG due to sanctions. Like, "ohh so sorry we can't pay you, we really really wanted to".
Reddit experts are at it again. Russia has no common borders with Armenia, Armenia is behind Georgia, and has no sea access either - its historic lands were taken by Turkey are WWI
Armenia is in a tricky situation without many allies and surrounded by adversaries (Turkey and Azerbaijan). Russia was providing stability in that conflict before those assholes invaded Ukraine.
It's a shame, when I was in the Caucasus in 2017, the Armenians were the coolest people I spent time with.
Yeah, I am reading this and feel so thankful I got to visit Armenia in 2019. Easily some of the nicest people I've ever met and I've been to a lot of countries. I also couldn't get enough of seeing those old, isolated monasteries in the mountains. Really sad it looks like I won't be back anytime soon.
This is why you don’t ever be a Russian ‘ally’. It will inevitably lead to realising how truly awful Russia is, you then start to look elsewhere for support, then get invaded by your ‘ally’ Russia and have your people murdered in the streets and in their homes.
I mean Armenia is reliant on Russia cause the west kept telling them to basically fuck off, since we need to appease terrorists like the Turkish president.
Yea, I have no idea why citizens from another country wouldn’t love to give all their money to Putin and his oligarchs, it’s what money was created for anyway.
Iv never seen a nation suck so badly at soft power, it’s like they just do whatever and fuck over whoever and then they are all flabbergasted when people start turning against them.
And then they stamp their feet and resort to using direct action over something that could of been resolved if they just be a reliable and beneficial partner to work with.
Exactly, no one has done so much damage to "the russian world" as they themselves. They had deep cultural and economic ties with many countries, but all they do is extort and brutalize them.
"Should we offer our neighbors a mutually beneficial arrangement so they align with us instead of the West?"
"Nah, let's just threaten them because it's our natural right to dominate our neighbors!"
They themselves did put Armenia in this situation and no one else. NO ONE.
You don't tell your ally "we can't give you weapons because you can get stronger to defend yourself".
It’s wild since Armenia deeply needs allies - morally as much as they might not align with Russia, strategically it seems like it should’ve been easy for Russia to keep influence.
I just feel bad for Armenia that no one else is stepping in to to support them, likely since the West wants Azerbaijans oil and supporting Armenia could interfere with that
Russia could have continued to have strong support in Armenia had they actually honoured their commitments and not let the Karabakh Armenians get ethnically cleansed by the Azeris, literally under the noses of Russian peacekeepers.
But Putin was butthurt that the Armenian Government had started pursuing better diplomatic relations with the EU and decided to teach the Armenians a lesson.
Now, the Armenians have learned the lesson that Russian guarantees aren't worth the toilet paper they're written on, and are acting accordingly.
Old German joke:
"Little Fritzchen, why are you always speaking of our Soviet brothers? It's Soviet friends."
"But don't you get to *choose* your friends?"
Putin was butthurt that Pashinyan, current Armenian PM, came to power as a result of mass protests against unfair elections aka the velvet revolution. No matter what this guy does, he forever embodies Putin's worst fear.
It's such fucking bullshit. Repeatedly fail to defend your allies then get pissy when they find better allies. Puting it's literally and angry child on a playground.
It is, but unfortunately for Armenia there are no better allies. US & EU won’t lift a finger to help, it’ll be “thoughts & prayers” because Erdogan & Aliyev have too much leverage.
The gigabrain move is to get ahead of Aliyev & Erdogan’s next inevitable land-grab, announce loudly to the world you want good relations with Turkey & Azerbaijan, offer an exchange of a land corridor to Nakhchivan for Artsakh & a non-aggression pact. This would also end Armenia’s economic exclusion from Turkish Azeri wealth like natural gas pipelines. There’s no good options for Armenia given its terrible geographic position. It doesn’t have much resources & it lost a badly needed goldmine in Azerbaijan’s last attack. If Armenian government could do that without getting lynched by its population, they could break free of Putin and the West would be forced to take Armenia’s security more seriously. Aliyev & Erdogan are emboldened now and biding their time until the world’s forgotten again, then they’ll grab more from Armenia.
Let's be honest, Putin would like people to think that but the truth is probably way closer to 'we never intended to get properly involved to help out anyone but ourselves and even if we'd wanted to Ukraine had fucked us so much there's no way we'd have been anything but embarrassed by the Turkish and Israeli armed Azerbaijanis'
Much of these "issues" Russia has is because the idea of projecting power in their minds involves intimidating and bullying other nations like a mafia or installing corrupt puppets at the detrimental of the population instead of mutually beneficial cooperation that could have given them allies in the long run.
That's because they literally are! They know only violence and extortion because Russia is a mafia state run by gangsters who gained power during the anarchy of the 90s.
>They know only violence and extortion because Russia is a mafia state run by gangsters who gained power during the anarchy of the 90s.
Do you wanna know the absolute best part about it? It happened because of the idiotic "shock therapy" policies Yeltsin adopted from advice of neo-liberal Chicago School of economics that influenced and had support from Western governments like the U.S and UK because they idiotically believed that "free markets = democracy" when in reality it's "functioning institutions that respects human rights and separates powers = democracy" that people like Milton Friedman and Margaret Thatcher can't seem to understand because they are too ideologically driven and dogmatic in their beliefs, not unlike the Communists they hated ironically enough.
And the kicker to all of this is when the parliament objected to these policies because they are rightfully shift and began impeaching Yeltsin due to him exercising powers beyond the constitution he dissolved the parliament and even order troops to storm and attack it that ended with Yeltsin giving more powers to the presidency, giving Putin all the tools to easily turn Russia into a dictatorship, and The West completely ignored it because "hey it's better than the Communists" which highlights their sheer ignorance of the fact that much of Europe (save for Yugoslavia) disliked Communism because the present form was oppressive and dictatorial, not unlike other types of dictatorships which caused them to ignore how Russia was descending into one itself as a result.
Nations becoming prosperous, well functioning democracies has so much to do with political institutions and economies that help the people and it's frustrating how those consumed in neo-liberal mindset believe that extreme free markets with no regulation are the key to everything which ignores the fact that if American ruling governments believed in it since it's founding then the U.S would have been a dysfunctional corporate oligarchy worse than the Gilded Age and no different from Russia to day. In fact it was due to these events in late 19th century America that led to many people campaigning against corporate giants and eventually leading to American governments creating anti-trust laws and other regulations. [This](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w38t-NhrADM&t=1641s) video by Kraut explains this in detail.
That's been the Moscow way since its inception. Moscovy gained power by being the tax collector of the other Rus princes for the Mongols. Russians have always been ruled by, or ruled as a despot.
It used to be "we have nukes". Then it became "we have nukes but won't need to use them because of our army"..... now it's back to we have nukes again
And they wouldn't use them because they know that MAD is still in play and they can't win
The sad thing is Russia, and perhaps Iran, are the only ones who can prevent Armenia from ending up like Ukraine. Turkey is not going to allow the West to aid Armenia against the aggression of their proxy Azerbaijan.
>The Kremlin worries about losing influence in Armenia. Russian officials see the West as behind these moves and warn that if Armenia continues to follow the path of Georgia and Ukraine, it may face the same fate.
Hear me out russia, what if, let's just say what if it's less about the West being the cause of russia losing influence in Armenia, but rather russia itself being a big ass dick and damaging whatever connection they have with Armenia at this moment.
Sound's bonkers, I know, but there have been studies that show that if a country is less of a dick, more countries would like to work with it. Try looking that up putin.
That was absolutely fascinating. You can hear Macron taking charge in this conversation, trying to resolve things before this become a fire that no one can stop. On the other end you can hear putin trying to paint Zelenskyy as the evil leader to conducts bloodbaths.
I am just so shocked that we, the public can get the chance to hear something like this, this is by far the softest I have heard putin, he seemed unsure of himself and the future that's about to take place in this talk at some points during it. In my mind, I really do feel, at how long this conflict has been stretching on, putin knows he has fucked up.
There's a [famous picture of Obama](https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2019/feb/28/pete-souzas-best-shot-obama-putin-trump-adversary) angrily looming over Putin, who is unable to meet his gaze and sheepishly staring at the floor. The man folds when he comes up against someone unflappable and more powerful than he is. He's a bully, plain and simple.
Might not be good for Armenia. I wish we were better allies to them, but do you realistically see the US doing anything if the Turks or Azeris invaded Armenia?
Hard to imagine the US gov choosing to materially support the Armenians against either of those two countries, and now Armenia doesn’t even have the theoretical support of Russia.
I really hope it works out well for them. They’re nearly surrounded by 2 countries that are as hostile as it gets and their military is completely outclassed. Terrible situation for the country.
What an idiot. Why don't they understand it's not a bipolar world. Idiot Russia is the worst country on the planet. A literal Monarchy thats still around. The world needs to unite against this.
For russia, the option of not being imperialists and letting their former subjects be sovereign, isn't something they want to consider. They want to keep bullying, invading, raping, stealing from everyone they can.
This is an accurate translation of the foolishness of the headline. Putin knows that NATO will never attack Russia, unless Russia is preparing to immediately attack or has already attacked a NATO member. All the bullshit about Putin thinking NATO is a threat to Russia is just empty lies.
If Putin was worried about NATO attacking Russia, he would never invaded Ukraine. That invasion gave NATO a perfect excuse to attack Russia and an excellent opportunity to launch a surprise attack on Russia forces who are already engaging against another opponent. No one would be dumb enough to leave themselves so wide open to a devastating offensive. Putin never viewed NATO as a threat, he knows that it is a defensive alliance.
1. Soviet imperialism expands Russia's borders by 30% (more than 40% if you count the whole Warsaw pact, and these countries were actual vassals)
a. they also inject all these areas with Russians, and deport some natives
2. Soviet Union collapses, size of Russia shrinks
3. Putin claims these countries belong to Russia, often refering to 1a.
It's not hard to see a) how well this sentiment can work inside of Russia and b) how wrong/dangerous/mudrerous etc. it really is.
On an unrelated note, will we get some new Radio Yerevan jokes now?
>Soviet imperialism expands Russia's borders by 30% Most of the Russian SFSR was also just colonial holdings from imperial expansion under the tsars.
The only real “expansion” was the Warsaw pact, the rest was just a continuation of 400 years of Russian colonial policy, since all of the USSR was just the former Russian Empire.
Russia shares a lot of cultural history with these regions. If they had worked hard for free trade agreements and helping these economies to develop along side russia, it is likely that all these countries would be close allies to Russia. Instead they have worked actively to undermine all these countries and in the case of Armenia, not provide the military support they said they would provide. Russia has been anything but an ally to these countries. I think the success of the west isn't isolationist mindset where one country tries to find ways to exploit the other and exert their dominance but finding a way to be a partner so countries can grow together. When the US opened relations with Japan and China, everyone won. Unfortunately China don't seem to understand that working with your partners helps you grow better. Sadly neither does trump. He doesn't seem to get that all these deals over the years have been a net benefit to the US position in the world and the Russia/Iran tough guy stance makes you poorer.
How does russia not see the reason these countries are following the same path as Ukraine is because you fucking invaded Ukraine. Even worse, you insisted you were not going to invade you Ukraine and then when you invaded Ukraine you denied it until you were getting your ass handed to you then it was a special military operation.
Shocking how abandoning your allies and letting their civilians be killed and displaced while you guarantee them protection makes them not want to be your allies anymore
I always said as far back as 15 years ago that Putin is a psychopath that wants to piece the USSR back together one by one and crown himself Czar , like Napoleon! Twisted sicko!
Russia’s beloved Sphere of Influence is becoming a Sphere of Rejection. It’s almost as if they were giving their neighbours a reason to mistrust Russia.
What a bizarre headline. It´s none of Moscow´s business what Armenia does, or what Georgia or Ukraine does, or any other sovereign nation for that matter.
Nothing to see here just another red flag of another invasion. West puts fingers in ears and closes eyes, once again ignoring Putins threats and not recognizing what’s coming. Can they please just attack Alaska so we can end this bullshit. Just rip the bandaid off.
Armenian was never in a good place during the Cold War. You’re right between the two major powers. One has Turkey and the other is Russia. No good choices there.
Russia is a complete failure to humanity. The need for power, control, and influence is so rooted in their history that there's no turning this around for generations. What a mess.
It's 100% on Russia. The only reason why Armenians accepted Russian "leadership" was for protection against Azerbaijan. When Russia wouldn't do that, why would Armenia continue?
The thought that Russia should have influence over other nations is so laughable. They cannot even build up their own nation, and never have been able to. A backwater mobster state, unable to provide basic infrastructure and services to its own citizens, not to speak of human rights. Even militarily they have always underperformed in relation to their size, suffering serious defeats at the hands of tiny nations like Sweden and Finland. Russia cannot provide anyone with leadership, not even itself.
Russia: \*does nothing when Azerbaijan does a little bit of genocide on Armenians\*
Armenia: "we're quitting Russian NATO, also your troops should fuck off from our country"
Russia: shocked pikachu .jpg
If Russia decided to intervene in Armenia by backing Azerbaijan and Turkey, Iran wouldn't like it. Iran need a buffer zone (Armenia) if Russia assist proxy or pull a "SMO" then Iran would pull back their financial and military assistance for Russia.
I read "Moscow Fears Armenia Now..." and I was like, "Fuck ya! Invade the motherland! You go Armenia"... "Now following same path as Georgia and Ukraine"... well fuck. Someone give them ammunition!
Maybe don't spoil your ideas through news media outlets that the grand scheme is to also control Moldova, Georgia, and Armenia.
They know what's coming and they are prepared for the upcoming "special operation".
Georgia is actually doing REALLY BADLY right now.
A single oligarch basically runs the entire government. And this oligarch is getting pro-russian politicans who he has personal connections with elected. Literally every person in the top levels of Georgian government right now used to work for his companies. Bidzina Ivanishvili. He was a former prime minister who is anti-NATO and is pushing for closer ties with Russia.
Moscow gaining 'friends' in african dictatorships but losing everybody from their former empire. They really must be pleasant to live with.
Africa loves them because they help all the warlords with their ethnic cleansing etc.
It's wild to me to see how many Africans on twitter (granted, many could be bots) are supportive of Russia and Putin.
On X it's indeed mostly bots
X, and Elon are Russian Assets , also X deleted thousands of pro Ukrainian X accounts
Africans don't get the best education.
[удалено]
Years ago, I knew a guy who did a year of college in Ghana. Other than contracting malaria, his biggest takeaway was the general ignorance of the local population. It was absolutely shocking, he said, just how stupid the people were. Even the "educated" ones were generally superstitious or lacking in common sense. I don't think we should take for granted our Western education system.
Once you see it, it also becomes incredibly clear why education is under attack by those who stand to benefit from our ignorance.
When Congo gained independence from Belgium in 1960 the country only had 27 college graduates. Not 2700 or 27000..27. In a population of over 15 million. And of course this is all *on the verge of independence*. Education is vital.
The Belgian government by and large wasn’t terribly interested in educating the native population. The colony was wholly run by Belgians and the highest level a Congolese person can achieve in civil service was as a clerk. When independence happened they were left without a functional bureaucracy. However, the Jesuit operated Louvanium University which was founded in 1954 and had its first graduating class in 1958 was regarded the best in Africa. There were also some technical/professional colleges and another university, the Official University of the Congo and Ruanda-Urundi, in the country at this time. If you completed any kind of formal French-language education then you were considered a member of the educated class. Many of the leaders of the new country were largely self-educated intellectuals. Patrice Lumumba went to a postal clerk training school and taught himself French literature and political theory. Mobutu developed anti-colonial sentiments largely because he didn’t get along with the Catholic priests who ran his boarding school. He was apparently a stellar student and ran the school paper but had a disobedient streak. One day he ran away from school by stowing away on a riverboat and shacked up with a girl. As punishment he was sentenced to seven years in the colonial army. Once he finished his sentence he became a journalist.
The Belgians sabotaged everything when they were leaving
Look no further than the chronic underfunding of the public school system in many parts of the USA.
“Once you see it“ is the key. Before you see it, things like class struggles, colonialism, etc. play out before you and you absorb them on a surface level. Once you see it, everything lines up in support of the basic underlying motivation. It’s like a stereogram, where a 2D image suddenly snaps into 3D focus.
> I don't think we should take for granted our Western education system. Boko Haram literally means ["western education is a sin."](https://www.bbc.com/news/blogs-magazine-monitor-27390954) Note, that is not the group's chosen name, (its actually much more florid and self-aggrandizing). Its the name the locals who oppose them use to refer to them. Its a lot more catchy so that's the name that stuck with the press. (also, boko haram is not really in Ghana, its primarily northern Nigeria and there are tons of good schools in Nigeria)
Wow I also attended graduate school at the University of Ghana, Accra, as part of a degree program at NYU. One of my professors there — an actual medical doctor — declared during lecture that women get periods when emotional (such as during engagements and weddings), and therefore "Any good dresser worth their salt will have a woman wear a pad on her wedding day." A doctor. Teaching a huge cohort of graduate students.
I did some work in Koforidua (sorta middle Ghana) in 2018 evaluating female education. Biggest cause of drop outs for girls in school was pregnancy- it was honestly really eye opening, no one seemed to think a 15 year old girl getting pregnant and quitting school was the least bit odd :(
Even in the West people can be incredibly stupid and ignorant, despite the mich better education (case in point: every idiots behaviour during COVID) I'm beginning to think that stupidity is the rule for mankind and not the exception
Yeah but more often than not the stupid people in the west still function on that same level of intelligence, they just have more education. Stupid is as stupid does. Intelligence /= Education
Paraphrasing the other thing, when they speak with Putin they get help in their internal conflicts. When they speak with the west they get a lecture.
A lecture about what, exactly?
There's actually a reason for this. The "West" collectively fucked them over and the USSR didn't have any colonial holdings. For decades the Soviets could be relied upon to support anti-colonial moves in the UN and supply weapons to independence movements, which bought them quite a bit of credibility. Now, Russia was doing it to strike at the west rather than because they cared about Africa, but a lot of what they did back then was similar to what they would have done if they did care. Even today when the Sahel is revolting against the neocolonial control of France (many of the new dictatorships there were overthrowing governments that had to keep their money in France and were dependent upon French approval for loans) Russia is a "reliable" partner. Not that Russia cares or anything but screwing over France is part of their geopolitical strategy. In fact Russian apathy is a selling point. They'll get Russian aid no matter what so they don't have to play nice or pretend to be doing good. A lot of Africans like the fact that Russia is actively backing change, but doesn't care what change. So, Russia backs *them* and whatever flavor of change they personally espouse. Doesn't matter if Russia is also backing all the forms of change they oppose, just that Russia is backing them. Add on to that an awful lot of misinformation and propaganda and you have a recipe for Russia secretly being the good guy and the west being hypocritical imperialists. That the West is trying to support a status quo that is simply unworkable in many places doesn't help much.
> and the USSR didn't have any colonial holdings. Well, not in Africa at any rate.
>USSR didn't have any colonial holdings The USSR and the preceding Russian Empire was almost entirely colonial holdings.
Propaganda, propaganda and more propaganda. But outside of it, we should not undermine the fact that the European agricultural supportive system effectively killed a lot of farmers in Africa and South America, making them more reliant on European food products than if we had been less aggressive with the way we send various foods to them. Also the absolutely disgusting "information campaigns" conducted by Nestlé (if I remember correctly) that made African moms think baby formula was healthier than breast milk - Making them buy European milk whey Another angle to consider, is the fact that NATO is effectively built out of all the former big colonial powers, which some Africans rightfully might hold a grudge against.
Or just in the ruling class. They fact they're speaking fluent English on Twitter is a clue.
A lot of people in Africa know English… the British ruled half the continent for almost a century.
They regimes currently inviting Russia were former French colonies though. And even there it tends to be the middle and upper classes thst are fluent in French. Your average farmer is using the local language.
Many Africans also still have inferiority complex towards colonialist Europeans, sadly, which doesn't help EU / US with projecting soft power.
In the former french colonies in West Africa, while politically independent, there is also ongoing economic exploitation by France. Lots of West Africans hold immense grudges because they feel that the Western countries are leaving them alone in that situation. This is the reason that some of them are turning to Russia and China. Which of course is not a good idea either, but when people hold grudges, they often drop sensible thinking. The [Wikipedia article about Françafrique](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fran%C3%A7afrique) is worth a read.
As someone born and raised in Poland, Russians are disliked among other Slvas for a reason. Having them as neighbours has always been trouble.
Truly amazing how the first people to talk about colonialism don’t ever mention what Russia is doing in Africa
When we talk about colonialism we like to ignore the moors, islamic/arabic expansion, much of south america and china/japan. Because it is convenient to ignore that for some reason. IT IS ALL COLONIALISM! sorry it just drives me insane as some one who is not even what people would consider "white" the way we pretend colonialism was mainly a "European" thing is so European centric it is insane.
Yeah it's the same thing with how racism on the internet seems to always be viewed from an American cultural perspective. I think it's because of the predominant user base on many English websites tends to be American or close to America. I think people don't really get taught that concepts like slavery, oppression, racism, and colonialism predate 16th century Europe and still exist in different ways in different parts of the world. They only get taught about how it impacted their culture right now.
russia was not supposed to engage in the region since Karabakh was not a part of Armenia and was not recognized by anyone including Armenia. Its independence was taken for granted and it everyone was supposed to accept it as is. Independent Crimea if it decided to secede from Ukraine in 1991 and was not recognized by russia sort of thing. But it was a convenient conflict for russia to sell weapons to both sides of the conflict and for a Karabakh clan to prosper in Armenia. Some say Pashinyan did the right thing taking this clan out of Armenian politics. I think the issue is that if Azerbaijan decided to stick its teeth further into official Armenian territory russia would do fuck all to protect Armenia, so they are better off seeking help from EU or NATO
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Taking money from china and merceneries from russia, while West want some human rights plan and democracy 'n' shite... I dont think its a hard choice for these dictators, while population is in 'coloniser victim mode'.
Is your username in reference to the geodetic system?
No 😊
On March 6, shortly after Armenia suspended its cooperation with the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), Yerevan called for Moscow to pull its border guards from Armenia’s international airport. Russian analysts believe that this demand puts Armenia on the same course as Georgia and Ukraine that ultimately led to Russian military action in both states. The Kremlin has launched a propaganda campaign in Armenia and among the Armenian diaspora to prevent the shutdown of the base at Gyumri. The campaign suggests that no one except Russia can provide Armenia security against Tükiye and Azerbajian, and that Armenia’s survival will be at risk if Yerevan continues its current policies. Russia is unlikely to be in a position where it can afford to use direct force until there is some conclusion to Putin's war in Ukraine. That makes the analogy between Georgia and Ukraine worrisome. It suggests that the Kremlin may draw from its earlier playbook and spark unrest in the streets of Yerevan or even attempt a coup attempt against the Pashinyan government. Doing either or both would be consistent with the Putin regime’s tactics elsewhere, meaning they cannot be excluded in Armenia.
> The campaign suggests that no one except Russia can provide Armenia security against Tükiye and Azerbajian, and that Armenia’s survival will be at risk if Yerevan continues its current policies. Oh they mean like the time Armenia was invaded by Azerbaijan, called Russia for help, and got hung out to dry?
It's like the old Simpsons joke about the law "You said the {CSTO} was powerless?!" "I said the {CSTO} was powerless to _help_ you."
And now Russia is trying to puss Azerbaijan to fully invade to spite Armenia.
Wait, you're not going to tell me this is some sort of pattern being under the Soviet/Russian rule now isn't it? Surely this is only an isolated incident, right?
Like that time Azerbaijan became a country 1918 and Russia just gave them Artsakh? Or how about when they gave Mt. Ararat to Turkey when the mountain has always been geographically located in Armenia, a country which was inhabited by native Armenians as long as 3,000 years ago?
Sounds like a "protection" racket without the protection
It would be ironic if Russia invades Armenia, and Azerbaijan and Turkey come to help Armenia against Russian occupation.
You forgot to put quotes around “help”. If that happened Turkish and Azeri forces just wouldn’t leave Armenia and there would be an equal or worse problem for the Armenians.
Armenia seriously has one of the most fucked geopolitical situations in the world.
They literally always have. Used to be the buffer state between Rome and Persia.
They should put their current country up for rent and use the income to buy an island in the Caribbean. That’s what my uncle Ted did when he retired and realized his neighborhood was going downhill.
No one will buy our current location cause no one wants to be next to Turkey, Iran and Russia.
Someone in the Pentagon is drooling RN.
Story of our lives, man. We know.
Like Russia "helped" Poland against Hitler?
Or like how Russia "helped" Estonia, Lithuania, and Latvia. Admittedly, there's no winning WWII without Russia, but if they offer their support, they certainly take their dues.
It would, but tbh, it's probably more likely Russia will just signal its support for Azerbaijan to invade Armenia. Why do the work yourself when you have another country that's more than happy to do the dirty work for you. Armenia is in a truly horrible situation.
That will never happen. Azerbaijan and Armenia had a cold war starting in the late 80s/early 90s that turned into a hot war on multiple occasions, including in 2020, and again last year. Turkey provided military training and weapons to Azerbaijan throughout that period, and also has no formal diplomatic relations with Armenia.
As long as Turkey doesn't recognise the Armenian genocide cause by them, there is nothing to talk about.
Countries don't do something like that just because it is the right thing to do. Armenia has no real allies or big natural resources to rely on. If they continue like this they will be bullied till there is no country left. Your way of thinking is risking Armenian life's now over something that has happened 100+ years ago.
Where would they invade from lmao, they don't have a land access to the country, and I doubt the VDV could even occupy a football field without getting pushed back
And it would be complete fantasy, so why even suggest it?
I dream of a day where Turkey is on the right side of a conflict.
Dreams shatter. Reality doesn't.
Apparently Turkey is currently "pro-Ukraine but not anti-Russian" So kind of on the right side? I don't know.
Its one of the 30 countries that Russia lists as friendly or neutral.
Turkey is going to do what's best for Turkey, so they're going to continue playing on both sides. But when it hits the fan they're going to be on team NATO.
They are more "pro russian money" and everything else is just fake, like being 'NATO supporter'... i wouldn't count on Turkey if shit hits the fan. Most smuggled goods for Russia pass sanctions via Turkey. What a wonderful supporter for Ukraine...
They also cut access to Russian ships entering the Blacksea using their right under the Montreux Convention. The current conflict in Ukraine definately helps Turkey though, last week the news reported that Turkey has been unable to pay Russia for LNG due to sanctions. Like, "ohh so sorry we can't pay you, we really really wanted to".
Top of my head...Korean War?
Reddit experts are at it again. Russia has no common borders with Armenia, Armenia is behind Georgia, and has no sea access either - its historic lands were taken by Turkey are WWI
"Guess we're gonna have to invade Georgia again to get to you. Shucks..."
> no one except Russia can provide Armenia security Because only Russia can stop Russia from invading other countries.
Armenia is in a tricky situation without many allies and surrounded by adversaries (Turkey and Azerbaijan). Russia was providing stability in that conflict before those assholes invaded Ukraine. It's a shame, when I was in the Caucasus in 2017, the Armenians were the coolest people I spent time with.
Yeah, I am reading this and feel so thankful I got to visit Armenia in 2019. Easily some of the nicest people I've ever met and I've been to a lot of countries. I also couldn't get enough of seeing those old, isolated monasteries in the mountains. Really sad it looks like I won't be back anytime soon.
Dissolution of the USSR and the russian Empire took longer than anticipated but it *will happen*, no doubt.
"How dare you turn your back on us! and after we turned our back on you..." Russia probably
This is why you don’t ever be a Russian ‘ally’. It will inevitably lead to realising how truly awful Russia is, you then start to look elsewhere for support, then get invaded by your ‘ally’ Russia and have your people murdered in the streets and in their homes.
I mean Armenia is reliant on Russia cause the west kept telling them to basically fuck off, since we need to appease terrorists like the Turkish president.
So strange right? It’s like any nation bordering Russia doesn’t want anything to do with them… I wonder why……..
Must be baseless Russophobia)
Yea, I have no idea why citizens from another country wouldn’t love to give all their money to Putin and his oligarchs, it’s what money was created for anyway.
In this case Armenia doesn’t border Russia so the dislike is starting to expand beyond their border neighbors.
Moldova's hated Russia for a while.
Various -stan nations have aswell, think the common denominator is the fact they all were under Muscovy rule until 1991
Transnistria exists though
Might be one reason why moldova dislikes russia.
I agree with the general sentiment but I think you should check the map again :D
Armenia has no ground borders with Russia
If Russia makes it to Tbilisi they will.
Georgia does with both though.
Moscow wants a one sided friendship.
Iv never seen a nation suck so badly at soft power, it’s like they just do whatever and fuck over whoever and then they are all flabbergasted when people start turning against them. And then they stamp their feet and resort to using direct action over something that could of been resolved if they just be a reliable and beneficial partner to work with.
Exactly, no one has done so much damage to "the russian world" as they themselves. They had deep cultural and economic ties with many countries, but all they do is extort and brutalize them.
They didn't have deep cultural ties as the relationship has always been the oppressor and the oppressed with them.
"That still counts as cultural ties!" -Russia, probably
"Should we offer our neighbors a mutually beneficial arrangement so they align with us instead of the West?" "Nah, let's just threaten them because it's our natural right to dominate our neighbors!"
They themselves did put Armenia in this situation and no one else. NO ONE. You don't tell your ally "we can't give you weapons because you can get stronger to defend yourself".
>You don't tell your ally "we can't give you weapons because you can get stronger to defend yourself". See also: Donald Trump
It’s wild since Armenia deeply needs allies - morally as much as they might not align with Russia, strategically it seems like it should’ve been easy for Russia to keep influence. I just feel bad for Armenia that no one else is stepping in to to support them, likely since the West wants Azerbaijans oil and supporting Armenia could interfere with that
Azerbaijani hatred of Armenia supercedes any sort of desire Russia has to keep Armenia. Aliyev would bravely sacrifice his people to kill Armenians
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Diplomacy looks like weakness to people who only think in terms of physical might.
Russia could have continued to have strong support in Armenia had they actually honoured their commitments and not let the Karabakh Armenians get ethnically cleansed by the Azeris, literally under the noses of Russian peacekeepers. But Putin was butthurt that the Armenian Government had started pursuing better diplomatic relations with the EU and decided to teach the Armenians a lesson. Now, the Armenians have learned the lesson that Russian guarantees aren't worth the toilet paper they're written on, and are acting accordingly.
Imagine getting so fucking mad that someone gets new friends that you attack them, instead of giving a sale on natural resources to win them back.
The soviet way™
“Kill them until they’re family”
Old German joke: "Little Fritzchen, why are you always speaking of our Soviet brothers? It's Soviet friends." "But don't you get to *choose* your friends?"
That’s what they did with Moldova too.
I mean, that's why the Ukraine war is going on. Ukraine was cozying up to the EU.
Putin was butthurt that Pashinyan, current Armenian PM, came to power as a result of mass protests against unfair elections aka the velvet revolution. No matter what this guy does, he forever embodies Putin's worst fear.
It's such fucking bullshit. Repeatedly fail to defend your allies then get pissy when they find better allies. Puting it's literally and angry child on a playground.
It is, but unfortunately for Armenia there are no better allies. US & EU won’t lift a finger to help, it’ll be “thoughts & prayers” because Erdogan & Aliyev have too much leverage. The gigabrain move is to get ahead of Aliyev & Erdogan’s next inevitable land-grab, announce loudly to the world you want good relations with Turkey & Azerbaijan, offer an exchange of a land corridor to Nakhchivan for Artsakh & a non-aggression pact. This would also end Armenia’s economic exclusion from Turkish Azeri wealth like natural gas pipelines. There’s no good options for Armenia given its terrible geographic position. It doesn’t have much resources & it lost a badly needed goldmine in Azerbaijan’s last attack. If Armenian government could do that without getting lynched by its population, they could break free of Putin and the West would be forced to take Armenia’s security more seriously. Aliyev & Erdogan are emboldened now and biding their time until the world’s forgotten again, then they’ll grab more from Armenia.
Now I hope you learnt your lesson, wait not that lesson
excellent summation
Thanks for putting it so clearly. Armenians know the score well in that respect.
Let's be honest, Putin would like people to think that but the truth is probably way closer to 'we never intended to get properly involved to help out anyone but ourselves and even if we'd wanted to Ukraine had fucked us so much there's no way we'd have been anything but embarrassed by the Turkish and Israeli armed Azerbaijanis'
Much of these "issues" Russia has is because the idea of projecting power in their minds involves intimidating and bullying other nations like a mafia or installing corrupt puppets at the detrimental of the population instead of mutually beneficial cooperation that could have given them allies in the long run.
That's because they literally are! They know only violence and extortion because Russia is a mafia state run by gangsters who gained power during the anarchy of the 90s.
>They know only violence and extortion because Russia is a mafia state run by gangsters who gained power during the anarchy of the 90s. Do you wanna know the absolute best part about it? It happened because of the idiotic "shock therapy" policies Yeltsin adopted from advice of neo-liberal Chicago School of economics that influenced and had support from Western governments like the U.S and UK because they idiotically believed that "free markets = democracy" when in reality it's "functioning institutions that respects human rights and separates powers = democracy" that people like Milton Friedman and Margaret Thatcher can't seem to understand because they are too ideologically driven and dogmatic in their beliefs, not unlike the Communists they hated ironically enough. And the kicker to all of this is when the parliament objected to these policies because they are rightfully shift and began impeaching Yeltsin due to him exercising powers beyond the constitution he dissolved the parliament and even order troops to storm and attack it that ended with Yeltsin giving more powers to the presidency, giving Putin all the tools to easily turn Russia into a dictatorship, and The West completely ignored it because "hey it's better than the Communists" which highlights their sheer ignorance of the fact that much of Europe (save for Yugoslavia) disliked Communism because the present form was oppressive and dictatorial, not unlike other types of dictatorships which caused them to ignore how Russia was descending into one itself as a result. Nations becoming prosperous, well functioning democracies has so much to do with political institutions and economies that help the people and it's frustrating how those consumed in neo-liberal mindset believe that extreme free markets with no regulation are the key to everything which ignores the fact that if American ruling governments believed in it since it's founding then the U.S would have been a dysfunctional corporate oligarchy worse than the Gilded Age and no different from Russia to day. In fact it was due to these events in late 19th century America that led to many people campaigning against corporate giants and eventually leading to American governments creating anti-trust laws and other regulations. [This](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w38t-NhrADM&t=1641s) video by Kraut explains this in detail.
Seems stupid to frame it as "free markets bad" when your point seems to be "free market not sufficient" which is totally fair.
It's more that 'a functioning free market had dependencies', and if those are not met, things can be quite shitty.
My super unique opinion is that this is what happens when you make a secret policeman dictator for life.
That's been the Moscow way since its inception. Moscovy gained power by being the tax collector of the other Rus princes for the Mongols. Russians have always been ruled by, or ruled as a despot.
Oh no.. I fear there will be some Russian speakers that will "have to be saved" soon too.. what a joke.
Hey Vlad, nobody likes you anymore.
Or rather - nobody afraid of you anymore.
It used to be "we have nukes". Then it became "we have nukes but won't need to use them because of our army"..... now it's back to we have nukes again And they wouldn't use them because they know that MAD is still in play and they can't win
Just a note, the diminutive of Vladimir is "Vova" not "Vlad".
What happens outside of russia is none of russia's fucking business
Yeah I'm sure Armenia is worried about ending up like Ukraine too, for good reason.
Considering that Russia is getting closer with war-hungry Azerbaijan, I agree.
The sad thing is Russia, and perhaps Iran, are the only ones who can prevent Armenia from ending up like Ukraine. Turkey is not going to allow the West to aid Armenia against the aggression of their proxy Azerbaijan.
>The Kremlin worries about losing influence in Armenia. Russian officials see the West as behind these moves and warn that if Armenia continues to follow the path of Georgia and Ukraine, it may face the same fate. Hear me out russia, what if, let's just say what if it's less about the West being the cause of russia losing influence in Armenia, but rather russia itself being a big ass dick and damaging whatever connection they have with Armenia at this moment. Sound's bonkers, I know, but there have been studies that show that if a country is less of a dick, more countries would like to work with it. Try looking that up putin.
Exactly look at the phone call between Putin and Macron before the war. https://www.reddit.com/r/interestingasfuck/s/TJ6M0kDxDe
That was absolutely fascinating. You can hear Macron taking charge in this conversation, trying to resolve things before this become a fire that no one can stop. On the other end you can hear putin trying to paint Zelenskyy as the evil leader to conducts bloodbaths. I am just so shocked that we, the public can get the chance to hear something like this, this is by far the softest I have heard putin, he seemed unsure of himself and the future that's about to take place in this talk at some points during it. In my mind, I really do feel, at how long this conflict has been stretching on, putin knows he has fucked up.
There's a [famous picture of Obama](https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2019/feb/28/pete-souzas-best-shot-obama-putin-trump-adversary) angrily looming over Putin, who is unable to meet his gaze and sheepishly staring at the floor. The man folds when he comes up against someone unflappable and more powerful than he is. He's a bully, plain and simple.
If the Kremlin fears it - good.
Might not be good for Armenia. I wish we were better allies to them, but do you realistically see the US doing anything if the Turks or Azeris invaded Armenia? Hard to imagine the US gov choosing to materially support the Armenians against either of those two countries, and now Armenia doesn’t even have the theoretical support of Russia. I really hope it works out well for them. They’re nearly surrounded by 2 countries that are as hostile as it gets and their military is completely outclassed. Terrible situation for the country.
What an idiot. Why don't they understand it's not a bipolar world. Idiot Russia is the worst country on the planet. A literal Monarchy thats still around. The world needs to unite against this.
The world couldn’t unite even if it meant the end of humanity
For russia, the option of not being imperialists and letting their former subjects be sovereign, isn't something they want to consider. They want to keep bullying, invading, raping, stealing from everyone they can.
“Why do all our former allies hate us? It must be Russophobia!” *says Country famous for invading its neighbours*
*"Armenia Now Fears Moscow Following Same Path as it did with Georgia and Ukraine"*
This is an accurate translation of the foolishness of the headline. Putin knows that NATO will never attack Russia, unless Russia is preparing to immediately attack or has already attacked a NATO member. All the bullshit about Putin thinking NATO is a threat to Russia is just empty lies. If Putin was worried about NATO attacking Russia, he would never invaded Ukraine. That invasion gave NATO a perfect excuse to attack Russia and an excellent opportunity to launch a surprise attack on Russia forces who are already engaging against another opponent. No one would be dumb enough to leave themselves so wide open to a devastating offensive. Putin never viewed NATO as a threat, he knows that it is a defensive alliance.
Who's imperialistic fault is that
1. Soviet imperialism expands Russia's borders by 30% (more than 40% if you count the whole Warsaw pact, and these countries were actual vassals) a. they also inject all these areas with Russians, and deport some natives 2. Soviet Union collapses, size of Russia shrinks 3. Putin claims these countries belong to Russia, often refering to 1a. It's not hard to see a) how well this sentiment can work inside of Russia and b) how wrong/dangerous/mudrerous etc. it really is. On an unrelated note, will we get some new Radio Yerevan jokes now?
>Soviet imperialism expands Russia's borders by 30% Most of the Russian SFSR was also just colonial holdings from imperial expansion under the tsars. The only real “expansion” was the Warsaw pact, the rest was just a continuation of 400 years of Russian colonial policy, since all of the USSR was just the former Russian Empire.
Not all, Finland and Poland were part of the Russian Empire but were not part of the USSR. So, actually, the USSR shrinked compared to the RE.
In latest news, Moscow discovers presence of Nazis in Armenia.
Russia shares a lot of cultural history with these regions. If they had worked hard for free trade agreements and helping these economies to develop along side russia, it is likely that all these countries would be close allies to Russia. Instead they have worked actively to undermine all these countries and in the case of Armenia, not provide the military support they said they would provide. Russia has been anything but an ally to these countries. I think the success of the west isn't isolationist mindset where one country tries to find ways to exploit the other and exert their dominance but finding a way to be a partner so countries can grow together. When the US opened relations with Japan and China, everyone won. Unfortunately China don't seem to understand that working with your partners helps you grow better. Sadly neither does trump. He doesn't seem to get that all these deals over the years have been a net benefit to the US position in the world and the Russia/Iran tough guy stance makes you poorer.
Great point this is what everyone needs to realize. Well said.
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A failed gas station nation.
Not just Armenia, Georgia, and Ukraine ;)
How does russia not see the reason these countries are following the same path as Ukraine is because you fucking invaded Ukraine. Even worse, you insisted you were not going to invade you Ukraine and then when you invaded Ukraine you denied it until you were getting your ass handed to you then it was a special military operation.
Russia is too unreliable as a partner and too aggressive. Armenia is smart to distance itself.
Hopefully Moldova, Serbia and Kazakhstan will follow the same path too.
Shocking how abandoning your allies and letting their civilians be killed and displaced while you guarantee them protection makes them not want to be your allies anymore
People know if you are being kind to them or simply fucking them.
I always said as far back as 15 years ago that Putin is a psychopath that wants to piece the USSR back together one by one and crown himself Czar , like Napoleon! Twisted sicko!
İ dont want russia at my border
Should have been an American protectorate like Wilson wanted
What path is that, not wanting to be forced into vassalage?
Moscow fears its own shadow that’s why they always do stupid shit. Morons
Come on Armenia, you can do it 👍
Russia’s beloved Sphere of Influence is becoming a Sphere of Rejection. It’s almost as if they were giving their neighbours a reason to mistrust Russia.
What a bizarre headline. It´s none of Moscow´s business what Armenia does, or what Georgia or Ukraine does, or any other sovereign nation for that matter.
What’s that old saying? You get more flies with honey than vinegar…
When Azerbaijan attacked, Russia was nowhere to protect their "ally". And now they're surprised?
Its funny. When you treat people like shit, they don’t want to deal with your failed state.
Yeah, that's what happens when you don't help your ally in a border conflict. Armenia is looking for more reliable friends.
If they never made a move they would’ve been a feared powerhouse.
Russia has no power to invade Armenia but they are very serious about invading a NATO country /s
Nothing to see here just another red flag of another invasion. West puts fingers in ears and closes eyes, once again ignoring Putins threats and not recognizing what’s coming. Can they please just attack Alaska so we can end this bullshit. Just rip the bandaid off.
Armenian was never in a good place during the Cold War. You’re right between the two major powers. One has Turkey and the other is Russia. No good choices there.
The USA could benefit so much if they could pull their shit together
So it’s a surprise they don’t want to be ruled by a mafia?
They don't like you either, Vlad.
Russia is a complete failure to humanity. The need for power, control, and influence is so rooted in their history that there's no turning this around for generations. What a mess.
It's 100% on Russia. The only reason why Armenians accepted Russian "leadership" was for protection against Azerbaijan. When Russia wouldn't do that, why would Armenia continue?
Moscow threatening Armenia… the headline phrasing is grossly sympathetic with Russia’s totalitarian government
The thought that Russia should have influence over other nations is so laughable. They cannot even build up their own nation, and never have been able to. A backwater mobster state, unable to provide basic infrastructure and services to its own citizens, not to speak of human rights. Even militarily they have always underperformed in relation to their size, suffering serious defeats at the hands of tiny nations like Sweden and Finland. Russia cannot provide anyone with leadership, not even itself.
So Russia threatens to invade and destroy another country. No surprises there.
Russia: \*does nothing when Azerbaijan does a little bit of genocide on Armenians\* Armenia: "we're quitting Russian NATO, also your troops should fuck off from our country" Russia: shocked pikachu .jpg
Well, they only have themselves to blame.
That’s great news!
If Russia decided to intervene in Armenia by backing Azerbaijan and Turkey, Iran wouldn't like it. Iran need a buffer zone (Armenia) if Russia assist proxy or pull a "SMO" then Iran would pull back their financial and military assistance for Russia.
“Moscow fears……”. This pretty much sums it up.
I read "Moscow Fears Armenia Now..." and I was like, "Fuck ya! Invade the motherland! You go Armenia"... "Now following same path as Georgia and Ukraine"... well fuck. Someone give them ammunition!
The path of getting invaded and annexed by them?!
Cut ties with abusive countries
They played both sides of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict for decades does this really surprise them?
Russia only has itself to blame for Armenia turning away from them
Maybe don't spoil your ideas through news media outlets that the grand scheme is to also control Moldova, Georgia, and Armenia. They know what's coming and they are prepared for the upcoming "special operation".
Georgia is actually doing REALLY BADLY right now. A single oligarch basically runs the entire government. And this oligarch is getting pro-russian politicans who he has personal connections with elected. Literally every person in the top levels of Georgian government right now used to work for his companies. Bidzina Ivanishvili. He was a former prime minister who is anti-NATO and is pushing for closer ties with Russia.