Entretien avec Andre Glucksmann. Russie: modernizer ou civiliser?

In: Politique internationale: pi, Heft 106, S. 279-296

Abstract

Andre Glucksmann views Vladimir Putin's "reign" as the continuation of a Russian tradition that dates back to Peter the Great. This tradition consists in drawing inspiration from the West when it comes to technology, but without importing its social democratic model. For nearly 300 years, successive Russian regimes have all been marked by an authoritarian attitude that disdains the basic rights of citizens, coupled with real military & economic power. Although Russia is not today a true economic power, it nevertheless harbors tremendous natural resources & has a terrifying nuclear arsenal, including weapons that it readily offers to the highest bidder. In other words, Russia's ability to cause harm is significant enough to encourage Western leaders to bow before the master of the Kremlin. This being the case, why should he hesitate to massacre Chechens & move his pawns forward throughout the former Soviet empire? Adapted from the source document.