After the conflict between Georgia and Russia erupted, the international media set out to analyze its motives. As was quickly evident, Russian and international media provided audiences with entirely different perspectives in their war coverage. But abroad, where people are more inclined to blame Russia, the opinion that Moscow is flexing its muscles in a "resurgent" period is popular. So, what is the position of Russia in the world today? What type of country is it, really? These are the questions I want to ask in this column.
For a long time, global affairs revolved around the United States. Their politics and programs in all spheres prevailed; their leadership was obvious. At that time, Russia was weak and unable to compete, but at some point Russia started gaining more and more clout, becoming stronger and more influential. Nevertheless, its authority wasn't a declaration - it was a fact that occasionally surfaced. The opinion in the West was that Russia was no longer content being on the back burner, and that the desire to prove its value became the reason to wage war.
In Russia, as elsewhere, we have different information and different opinions when it comes to major events. Though the West's argument doesn't seem reasonable, it may be partially true. Not in its full meaning, of course - Russia would not risk a war just because of its new status. Being acknowledged might be a good consequence and a certain kind of profit of this war, but certainly not the reason.
Russia's citizens united when Georgia attacked along Russia's borders and our soldiers; we had to defend ourselves. The events looked entirely different in the eyes of western society; they thought (and still think) that it was Russia who played the aggressor, and that Russia is to blame.
Citizens of the Russian Federation were shocked by Georgia's attack, and their only thought was to "defend." Given the timely information they received, and the rational response of their leaders, they scolded Georgia's authorities for their decision. They also had choice words for the West's attitude to our response. Do you think the Russian people were wrong? Yes? But wouldn't you defend your country under similar circumstances?
So where is Russia today? Answering that it is a reviving nation with great potential is a zero-risk variant. Russia plays the main part in the post-soviet space. Though there are some ‘problem spots,' Russia leads the many countries that used to be a part of the Soviet Union. Russia helps them, sponsoring their economy, providing support in the international arena and generally leading them forward.
At the same time, Russia is very valuable in Asian region (The Shanghai Cooperation Organization), and is respected by many rogue states, such as Venezuela or Cuba.
The fact is, Russia rising like a phoenix from the ashes is distressing. Its jump to the next stage is close, and the world is afraid. Upon noticing signs of further development, it falls back on scolding and disapproving it and supporting its foes, regardless of how right or wrong the latter are. This fear - and the actions stemming from it - mean little to politicians, but the problem is that people are different; all their minds are about war today and they don't see the reasons for this sort of attitude.
It's worth trying to swap positions for a moment. Imagine your reaction if you were in Russia's shoes. I think of the feeling of bitter resentment; so do many other Russians.
By Daria Chernyshova
