https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/worl...eling-of-vladimir-putin/ar-AAUkTk4?li=BBorjTa The world may be witnessing the complete unraveling of Vladimir Putin Shortly before he invaded Ethiopia in 1935, Italian fascist dictator Benito Mussolini stated, “I follow my instincts, and I am never wrong.” That war bankrupted the state, but it made him popular with Italians as the restorer of the Italian empire. It also further inflated his ego. In 1940, against the advice of many of his generals, Il Duce entered World War II alongside Adolf Hitler. He counted on a quick win and lasting glory, but instead dragged Italy through a disastrous war that ended with his own execution by anti-fascist partisans in 1945. Over time, exerting this kind of power can lead an autocrat to believe his own propaganda and act on his worst impulses. These dramatic events, and the terrible toll of strongman leadership, come to mind as Russian President Vladimir Putin embarks on a risky war against Ukraine. He is motivated by a desire to secure his place in history as the leader who revived a version of the Soviet empire. It could backfire on him in multiple ways. After 22 years in power, Putin's governance style and structures resemble those that have led past autocrats to make bad decisions. The recent photographs of him at enormous tables, absurdly distant not just from foreign heads of state but from members of his own security council, suggest a state of isolation common among leaders who have exercised too much power for too long. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - I rarely agree with any article about politics from a liberal/leftist news outlet such as MSNBC. But this is one of those rare times. However before we get too optimistic about the future of Russia as far as them wishing to become part of the rest of civilized Europe. Let's not forget that we thought that could happen with the disintegration of the Soviet Union. It helped to a degree to bring freedom and liberty to a number of countries, but it obviously didn't go far enough. The basic problem is that in Russia there is a deep rooted distrust of the West. When despite a non-aggression pact, Nazi Germany invaded Russia during WW2, resulting in an estimated 20 to 25 million Russian dead and wounded. Those memories of horrific brutality by the Nazis last a long time. But the Russian people need to finally realize that Nazi Germany is long gone, and NATO will never have any intention of invading Russia. NATO only exists to stop a tyrant such as Vladimir Putin. Once the Russian people boldly move forward and demand freedom and liberty from their current government tyranny, they would embrace the rest of Europe. Then the need for NATO would cease to exist as far as worrying about Russian-European war. Russia could even eventually join NATO. The Russia people would then enjoy an era of peace and prosperity, the likes of which they have never known. But first things first, and the first order of business should be to dispose of Vladimir Putin.
