By this definition though, literally all wars of conquest (i.e. most of them) are “imperialism”.
I am a tankie so while I lean on Lenin’s definition of imperialism, let’s put that aside for a moment. “Imperialism” cannot be simple conquest. Because when we think of “imperialism” without tying it to a specific example, I think we all broadly get the same picture. Something like an octopus, extending its reach out far and wide an establishing control over places, in service of enriching the metropole. Conquest can be one initial stage of imperial control, or imperialism doesn’t even need military conquest. It’s why I would say the United States in 2026 is unequivocally imperialist. So were the pre-WW1 Western European nations.
I’m not making any sort of judgement on the rightness or wrongness of Russia’s actions. It’s just that I get a bee in bonnet when liberals try and downplay the true imperialism of present day US and Europe by saying “bbbbut Russia is imperialist too!!!” when they don’t even have any understanding of the word.
What’s your point? It sounds like your complaining about some people downplaying western imperialism to highlight Russia while you downplay Russian imperialism to highlight the West.
I literally explained how I was taking issue with the use of the word “imperialism” and not commenting the morality of the action. But maybe reading comprehension is hard for you? It so I’m sorry for your affliction.
I am yet to hear from liberals defend imperialism from their own side. I mean, liberals are one of many who typically are vocal against imperialism. Liberals are labeled as “self-hating” by conservatives for a reason. Meanwhile, tankies are either paid or being useful idiots who side with anyone–including opposing imperialists-- just for being anti-Western just for the sake of it.
And I gotta say, I am extremely impressed with Putins strategy. He didn’t even hide it, and it still worked over decades. A three or four decade long chess move. He is for sure one of history’s great villains, but you can’t help but respect the play. He brought the US to its knees without having to fire a single bullet.
Well ok a few very select bullets, but no hot confrontation. Just honey, rubles and polonium.
He studied his Tzu well! Or Napoleon, for that matter, or Caesar, or perhaps Machiavelli. Or Peter the Pretty Great but Perhaps Not So Great In Hindsight Great.
I wouldn’t give Putin too much credit. A lot of analysts have astutely observed that Putin can only start conflicts but can’t finish them. Even Georgia is an unresolved business. But of course, that problem culminated with Ukraine. Decades of consolidating power for himself and rebuilding Russia’s prestige is undone in just five years. Putin’s Russia excel at information war but not actual physical war.
Russia has been weakened just as the US. The real winner is China.
By this definition though, literally all wars of conquest (i.e. most of them) are “imperialism”.
I am a tankie so while I lean on Lenin’s definition of imperialism, let’s put that aside for a moment. “Imperialism” cannot be simple conquest. Because when we think of “imperialism” without tying it to a specific example, I think we all broadly get the same picture. Something like an octopus, extending its reach out far and wide an establishing control over places, in service of enriching the metropole. Conquest can be one initial stage of imperial control, or imperialism doesn’t even need military conquest. It’s why I would say the United States in 2026 is unequivocally imperialist. So were the pre-WW1 Western European nations.
I’m not making any sort of judgement on the rightness or wrongness of Russia’s actions. It’s just that I get a bee in bonnet when liberals try and downplay the true imperialism of present day US and Europe by saying “bbbbut Russia is imperialist too!!!” when they don’t even have any understanding of the word.
What’s your point? It sounds like your complaining about some people downplaying western imperialism to highlight Russia while you downplay Russian imperialism to highlight the West.
Something about octopuses? Or octopii? Octopodes? I am uncertain about the preferred nomenclature but a mollusk of some brand is involved.
Si the reason you don’t think Russia is imperialist is whataboutism. While simultaneously complaining about “liberal” whataboutism. Truly .ml logic.
Tl dr. You are excusing one assfuck because another assfuck does something bad.
Making you the biggest assfuck in the room.
More than one entity can be wrong at a time, and that means everyone is an assfuck.
So say it with me now. Russia is being an assfuck.
I literally explained how I was taking issue with the use of the word “imperialism” and not commenting the morality of the action. But maybe reading comprehension is hard for you? It so I’m sorry for your affliction.
Invading Ukraine is bad.
I am yet to hear from liberals defend imperialism from their own side. I mean, liberals are one of many who typically are vocal against imperialism. Liberals are labeled as “self-hating” by conservatives for a reason. Meanwhile, tankies are either paid or being useful idiots who side with anyone–including opposing imperialists-- just for being anti-Western just for the sake of it.
/Sun Tzu
And I gotta say, I am extremely impressed with Putins strategy. He didn’t even hide it, and it still worked over decades. A three or four decade long chess move. He is for sure one of history’s great villains, but you can’t help but respect the play. He brought the US to its knees without having to fire a single bullet.
Well ok a few very select bullets, but no hot confrontation. Just honey, rubles and polonium.
He studied his Tzu well! Or Napoleon, for that matter, or Caesar, or perhaps Machiavelli. Or Peter the Pretty Great but Perhaps Not So Great In Hindsight Great.
Divide et impera.
Alas, I wax latin…
I wouldn’t give Putin too much credit. A lot of analysts have astutely observed that Putin can only start conflicts but can’t finish them. Even Georgia is an unresolved business. But of course, that problem culminated with Ukraine. Decades of consolidating power for himself and rebuilding Russia’s prestige is undone in just five years. Putin’s Russia excel at information war but not actual physical war.
Russia has been weakened just as the US. The real winner is China.
No argument there. Our weakness is as much to blame as his… Whatever that is. Tsarism?
I get the distinct impression that you’re actually hard core capitalist.