We note with alarm that public discourse about Russia is coloured by militaristic and dangerous terms which may talk us into war (We’r*e back to great-power conflict, says US defence secretary, 3 February). The country’s portrayal as an aggressive power increases its perception of threat, accelerating a military and ideological escalation. Irresponsible talk of conflict is risky and mistaken. Warnings of “Russian aggression” fail to take into account its defensive posture. We need a precautionary but critical assessment of present realities. By driving Russia into a corner we provoke it into escalatory responses and undermine our own security. Unlike Saddam …read more
Source: The Guardian
