the Russians and the Chinese have a strategy. The problem is: What is it? I do not think the strategy is to respond with nuclear weapons: They will do that if and only if they are attacked.
I do not think the strategy is to respond with nuclear weapons: They will do that if and only if they are attacked.
I think the Chinese have a very full domestic plate right now- they may have a strategy, but I'd bet they will diddle away the opportunity to employ it effectively. Russia- a different kettle of fish. A smart diplomatic approach might be to share power there. They may see their best interests as grabbing major authority in the structure. Empires often share power- one of the safer ways to deal with them is to be nasty enough to motivate some healthy fear,-- and then deal. Pure speculation, true.
Nukes have no utility in this process, as I said in my reply to Chris cook. No rational targeting options.
The allocation mechanism will happen, because it is essential--it's only a question of the right opportunity- the right "shock therapy" moment. From a totally Machiavellian point of view, the coming Iran event could be the perfect moment. Look what they did with 9/11. "There is mysterious music in democracy, when people decide to believe in themselves." ---Bill Greider, The Nation.
The economic shock therapy is happening as we speak.
I liked Jerome's car crash analogy, what's happened so far is the driver hitting the screen and dashboard as he slams the brakes on without a belt: the crash itself is about to happen...
