It’s been nearly 77 years since the end of the Second World War (WWII).

Let this date be marked in history, 24 February 2022, as the day that peace was broken.

Russian troops began an invasion of Ukraine, another sovereign country, on this date.

And so I feel compelled to suspend the usual themes of perseverance and positivity this blog
normally aheres to, return to my earlier academic roots as a political scientist, and share some thoughts on the Russian invasion.

My first training, Comparative Politics. My particular focus: the Soviet Union.

Heavy doses of the post-WWII rivalry, the Cold War, the Soviet Union and the United States,

Arms Race, Arms Control, rival economic models,

The geopolitical realities,

What the politicians want,

What the people want,

I lived amongst the Russians and Ukrainians. Ordinary people.

People want the same thing.

Opportunity, progress for their families, and peace.

Extremes don’t play well, in general. Big changes take time,

They can’t be forced; the changes or the people.

We’ve seen it in the United States for sure. Changes take time. Concensus. Compromise.

That’s what sticks.

Putin is forcing his hand. Putin somehow strangely thinks he can bring back the control and influence of Russia in the Soviet Times.

I actually believe full well that Russia DOES have a place as a major influencer in the work.

But not in this manner.

This manner is folly.

This manner can only end badly.

This manner has changed European, indeed global security forever.

It’s the dawn of a new age, suddenly.

How will well-meaning, like-minded people now respond?

Time will tell the resolve we have, the commitment we have to a better way.

Putin’s way? Not better.

He must not prevail.

FULL STOP.