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Entry: Putin Beyond the Propaganda Link: http://www.takimag.com/site/article/putin_beyond_the_propoganda#17822 Post contents: Russia hopefully will find its voice in the world: a voice that is European, Christian, proud of itself, its culture, and its highly educated people. Putin is impressive to me as a type of Burkean reformer in the manner of a Napoleon or De Gaulle. In other words, he is trying to forge a healthy national identity among a people whose identity has been permanently altered by an ideological revolution. He has managed the transition from Communism by emphasizing that era’s patriotic aspects, technical achievements, and victory over the Nazis, while deemphasizing its concern for ideology and total state control of society. At the same time, Putin has restored respect for the Old Russia, the Orthodox religion, the historical Russian identity, and the traditionally expansive authority of the Russian State. America should encourage this development in a tone of mutual respect, rather than hectoring Russian leaders with abstractions like free markets and democracy, especially considering the recent history of such advice in the Nineties. A true nationalist does not wish harm to other nations. Patriotism is not a zero-sum game. Nationalists and Patriots the world over recognize the corrupting influence of homogenization and globalization. Whether in the guise of NATO, the EU, “democratization,” or short-sighted American interference with internal affairs, all of these are potentially a threat to national cultures and their distinctive peoples. I want to see Russia evolve in a natural and independent direction. I would like the same respect from them. But how can I or any American ask for such respect when we view it as our role to be the Nanny State to the world, dispensing unwanted and often bad advice wrapped in veiled threats of retaliation. Sent at: 2008 05 16