When I read about the antics of Orban's leadership, its public marriage to the Russian dictator, Szijjártó's cordial conversations with Putin in Moscow, and at the same time know that Hungary is a full-fledged member of the European Union and NATO, I think: what kind of alliances are these, excuse me, that do not oblige to anything and do not influence anything?
When the president of France, which is actually the second EU power, talks about "not our war" when it comes to Taiwan and talks about the need to prevent Washington's (a North Atlantic Alliance ally) growing influence in the Old World, I understand that official Paris is playing real politics based on Macron's internal electoral needs...
“Interpol shyly states that it cannot entrust the employees of its Moscow branch with this warrant for the Kremlin ruler, because, they say, they will be thrown out of there and will not have time to pack their bags... What is Interpol doing in Russia?”
When the International Criminal Court issues a warrant for the arrest of Putin, a war criminal and an abductor of Ukrainian children, and Interpol shyly states that it cannot entrust the employees of its Moscow branch with this warrant for the Kremlin ruler, because, they say, they will be thrown out of there and will not have time to pack their bags... What is Interpol doing in Russia, where international justice, law, and everything on which the international community believes this world is based has long been totally disregarded...
When the UN Security Council has been chaired by a state sponsor of terrorism since April 1, and its sanctioned foreign minister requires (!) a visa to the United States to ‘reign’ in the building on the United Nations Square, tell me, has anyone ever seen such a bottom of cynicism and impunity?
We are amazed at the impudence of Brazilian leftist President Lula, who calls, first, for an end to the Russian-Ukrainian war by giving Crimea to the predators, and, second, for an alternative to the G-20, since, in his opinion, this association only contributes to the "conflict." Lula can be viewed in different ways, usually with disgust, but, excuse me, "the holy place is never empty." If international institutions are ineffective, and their decisions are chit-chats, then, according to Brazilian logic, they should be replaced by others...
“I have to state a rather sad trend: amid inaction and impotence of international institutions, more and more leaders are tempted to act under the dictates of circumstances, voters' demands, and to take into account the moods and trends in their own territories”
Undoubtedly, the assistance and support to Ukraine in its resistance to the dictatorship and savagery of the Russian empire is unprecedented. Thanks to it, Putin and his henchmen have finally realised that their arbitrariness will not go unpunished forever, that there are still some realists on Earth with a clear understanding of what is happening. At the same time, I have to state a rather sad trend: amid inaction and impotence of international institutions, more and more leaders are tempted to act under the dictates of circumstances, voters' demands, and to take into account the moods and trends in their own territories. Even Warsaw's and Budapest's recent decision to ban imports of Ukrainian grain was prompted by the dissatisfaction of local farmers. Although restrictions of this nature, as the EU emphasised, are the prerogative of Brussels...
Of course, I may be objected to. They say that global organisations like the UN, the EU, NATO, and Interpol drafted their charters and requirements taking into account the realities of democracy. And when democracies, with their liberal values, respect for law and procedure, and the primacy of human rights and freedoms, are challenged by a refined dictatorship, the latter has obvious advantages in this confrontation. Because there, in Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea, decision-making does not involve debate, and it is easy to isolate and eventually physically destroy those who hold alternative opinions.
“When democracies, with their liberal values, respect for law and procedure, and the primacy of human rights and freedoms, are challenged by a refined dictatorship, the latter has obvious advantages in this confrontation. Because there, in Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea, decision-making does not involve debate, and it is easy to isolate and eventually physically destroy those who hold alternative opinions”
But, in my opinion, this is only a superficial impression. Yes, of course, Putin can single-handedly call a million mobilized troops to arms, and those who are dissatisfied with this decision will also go to war or prison. Instead, in the event of a direct clash with the North Atlantic Alliance, the capitals of NATO member states will debate for a long time over decisions that require an immediate response. Despite the categorical fifth article...
But dictatorial "superiority" is questionable in terms of effectiveness. It does not provide for the proper motivation of the "little man" - because the propaganda dope usually evaporates from the brain during the first shelling or tank attack of the enemy. Instead, the moral incentives of the "warriors of light" are obvious. The Armed Forces of Ukraine proved this by kicking the Russian forces in the teeth near Kyiv, Kharkiv, Kherson, and Bakhmut. And I am convinced that this advantage, supplemented by the latest weapons from partner countries, will lead us to victory over Moscow.
As for international institutions... No doubt, they should be fundamentally reformed, perhaps some of them should be replaced. We don't know what the world will look like after Russia's defeat, and what alliances will emerge afterward. But the fact that the defeat of Russia will not be the final chord of the global confrontation between democracies and autocracies is already an obvious fact. And it must be taken into account if we want to be prepared for new conflicts.
About the author. Ihor Hulyk is a journalist, editor-in-chief of the Espreso website.
The editors do not always share the opinions expressed by the authors of the blogs.