Russian history, politics, sociology, and economics: contemporary relevance

¶ … Russia Matter?

After the fall of the Berlin wall, Russia seemed inconsequential. The crumbling of that wall symbolized the crumbling of the U.S.S.R., or in most Westerners' view, Russia. Prior to the dissolution of the U.S.S.R., Russia loomed large in many people's minds. The threat of a nuclear war was an everyday fear and Russia, it was feared, would be the one to start it. Schoolchildren were made to hide under their desks to drill for the eventual onset of a nuclear war (as if that would offer any protection). Now, however, most Westerners do not ever even think of Russia, much less fear it. Russia has become irrelevant in Westerners' minds. Well, after reading, "Does Russia Matter?" By Paul E. Richardson, it seems that Westerners had better pay attention because the bear can raise its huge head on a number of different issues (Richardson, 2003). Of particular interest is its continuing state of nuclear readiness, its supply of fresh water, and its vast reserve of forestry (Richardson, 2003).

The average person probably assumed that with the fall of the U.S.S.R., the imminent threat of nuclear war was vanquished. According to Richardson, that is simply not the case (Richardson, 2003). In, "Does Russia Matter?" Richardson stated, "And now, a dozen reasons later, we get to nuclear weapons. According to the NRDC, Russia has about 5,200 strategic nuclear warheads and 8,500 stockpiled warheads. That is down considerably from the 12,000 or so strategic warheads (and 35,000+ stockpiled) of the mid-1980's, but it is still hugely important (i.e. "it matters"). The U.S. has about 8600, with some 10,500 stockpiled" (Richardson, 2003). Clearly, Russia's arsenal is vast. Consider the fear that has been instilled by most Westerners regarding Iran's nuclear ability. Do they even have a weapon developed yet? Put it in perspective. Just how many nuclear weapons does it take to annihilate the world and it is imperative that Westerners, as well as the rest of the world, pay attention to who is minding the switch.

Just as concerning as nuclear weapons, if not more so, is the current status of fresh water supplies throughout the world. The future seems bleak when one considers the rate at which fresh water is consumed, wasted, or polluted. It is not an endless supply and it will become the most valuable commodity at some point in the future. For this reason, it would be wise to ally oneself with Russia. " It is said that, in this century, fresh water will become humankind's most important resource. Best estimates are that Russia owns about 25% of the world's fresh water, and it is already exporting it to countries that do not have enough. "When the oil runs out," one Russian government official recently said, "we will export water" (Richardson, 2003). There is no doubt that gasoline shortages are a tremendous hardship, but no fresh water means certain death (and not a nice one).