Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

To: myknowledge
Russia continues to have superpower pretensions, but on a medium power budget that is undermined by a shambolic defense industry and a corrupt, predatory governing elite.

Russia will eventually produce a small fleet of Borei missile subs, two or three wings of Su-35 fighter bombers, and the equivalent of several corps worth of ground troops. This will provide enough nuclear capability to menace other nuclear powers and enough conventional force to intimidate smaller neighbors. This will keep the Kremiln's kleptocrats in power and their foreign bank accounts secure and growing.

Meanwhile, Russia's demographic decline will continue, its economy will remain dependent on oil and gas sales, its political institutions will be those of a failed state, and its population will be swindled by their leaders and preyed upon by criminal enterprises aligned with them. As bad as this future is, on the net, it is an improvement on that offered by the Soviet era.

6 posted on 12/23/2009 12:04:38 AM PST by Rockingham
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies ]


To: Rockingham
Your post exhibits fairly good impressions and predictions along with a sound summary assessment of true Russian military capability and governing leadership in general.


7 posted on 12/23/2009 12:29:38 AM PST by myknowledge (F-22 Raptor: World's Largest Distributor of Sukhoi parts!)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 6 | View Replies ]

To: Rockingham

Are you for real?
Your post is wrong on so many levels it’s not even funny.


9 posted on 12/23/2009 6:10:45 AM PST by RolandOfGilead
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 6 | View Replies ]

Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article


FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson