Despite Western Assertions, Russia Is Not on the Decline…

July 30, 2021
Natylie’s Place: Understanding Russia
By Natylie Baldwin

We’ve all heard the statement that Russia is a declining power. It is repeated so often by western pundits that it has become a truism.

The incoming leader of Britain’s MI6, Richard Moore, said so a few months ago. Even analysts who are considered more thoughtful, such as John Mearsheimer, have made a similar declaration. But is this statement really true? If not, why do we keep hearing it?

Basic Facts About Russia

To answer the first question, let’s look at some basic facts about Russia relevant to its position in the world. Russia is the largest country in the world geographically, straddles two continents, and possesses a nuclear arsenal as large and modern as that of the United States – if not more so. In terms of its non-nuclear military capacity, only the United States is considered stronger.

Regarding its economy, Russia’s GDP is eleventh in the world, behind Italy and Canada. However, Russian total purchasing power parity comes in at sixth in the world.

Russia possesses a wealth of natural resources including minerals, metals, precious stones, and wood. The country has also been the world’s first or second largest exporter of wheat for several years. It contains an educated population and consistently places highly in computer technology competitions.

[Continue Reading]

Dear CCI friends,

Chris Weafer, noted financial specialist living/working in Moscow sends this report below to address the long-rumored catastrophes that hit Russia in the month of August! Since many are hypersensitive about this particular “August” phenomenon, it’s good to address it sanely before entering the month. Chris also gives other information that fills in the picture of where Russia is today.

We wish you a productive and successful August ahead.

Sharon Tennison
Center for Citizen Initiatives

[Continue Reading]

Dear CCI Friends,

Nicolai Petro is among the most knowledgable academics writing about Ukraine, where he has lived, off and on, for the past ten years. Nicolai is not given to taking the side of Russia, the U.S. or Ukraine, but believes intensely that a lasting peace will require a deep and persistent dialogue among all three countries.

Read and take in Nicolai’s points of view, ask your colleagues and friends what they think about this seemingly intractable situation. If anyone comes up with a great idea, share it with us!

Sharon Tennison
Center for Citizen Initiatives

[Continue Reading]

Hello CCI Friends,

A most unusual article has been written by one of America’s top PhD Academics, Stephen Kinzer of Brown University. It seems that our NATO partners are beginning to feel responsible for the malevolent abuse their countrymen have done to natives in many countries of the world.

Isn’t it time we in America started looking at ourselves with the same scrutiny, since no doubt we have been, and still are, the world leaders in these kinds of immoral and tragic behaviors. How long can we look at our own “woke” mentality in the U.S. without taking it outside of our borders to places of torture, mass murder, and disadvantaging whole populations for generations in order to get bananas, coffee and many other products for a nickel a pound. We’ve now overturned legitimate elections in some 80 countries. Have we ever said we are sorry to any of them?

[Continue Reading]

Dear CCI Friends,

On July 8 we received an article by David L. Phillips on “Confronting China and Russia.” Phillips is the Director of Peacebuilding and Human Rights at the Institute for the Study of Human Rights at Columbia University. I wrote him immediately and sent the piece to a select group of CCI professionals. They were as puzzled as I how anyone working in Peacebuilding and Human Rights could author this piece.

Our nationally-respected attorney, Sylvia Demarest, took the time to address the totality of this article. Below is her letter to Mr. Phillips including where the U.S. and Russia find themselves today. I asked Sylvia if CCI could send this piece to you… she allowed. You may send it to your networks if you wish.

Sharon Tennison
Center for Citizen Initiatives

[Continue Reading]