Wednesday, March 5, 2014

The Return of a Super Power?

"The West is blinking in disbelief – Vladimir Putin just invaded Ukraine. German diplomats, French Eurocrats and American pundits are all stunned. Why has Russia chosen to gamble its trillion-dollar ties with the West?

Western leaders are stunned because they haven’t realized Russia’s owners no longer respect Europeans the way they once did after the Cold War. Russia thinks the West is no longer a crusading alliance. Russia thinks the West is now all about the money.

Putin’s henchmen know this personally. Russia’s rulers have been buying up Europe for years. They have mansions and luxury flats from London’s West End to France’s Cote d’Azure. Their children are safe at British boarding and Swiss finishing schools. And their money is squirreled away in Austrian banks and British tax havens.

Putin’s inner circle no longer fear the European establishment. They once imagined them all in MI6. Now they know better. They have seen firsthand how obsequious Western aristocrats and corporate tycoons suddenly turn when their billions come into play. They now view them as hypocrites—the same European elites who help them hide their fortunes.

Once Russia’s powerful listened when European embassies issued statements denouncing the baroque corruption of Russian state companies. But no more. Because they know full well it is European bankers, businessmen and lawyers who do the dirty work for them placing the proceeds of corruption in hideouts from the Dutch Antilles to the British Virgin Islands.

We are not talking big money. But very big money. None other than Putin’s Central Bank has estimated that two thirds of the $56 billion exiting Russia in 2012 might be traceable to illegal activities. Crimes like kickbacks, drug money or tax fraud. This is the money that posh English bankers are rolling out the red carpet for in London.

Behind European corruption, Russia sees American weakness. The Kremlin does not believe European countries – with the exception of Germany – are truly independent of the United States. They see them as client states that Washington could force now, as it once did in the Cold War, not to do such business with the Kremlin.

When Russia sees Spain, Italy, Greece and Portugal outbidding each other to be Russia’s best business partner inside the EU (in return for no mention of human rights), they see America’s control over Europe slowly dissolving.

Back in Moscow, Russia hears American weakness out of Embassy Moscow. Once upon a time the Kremlin feared a foreign adventure might trigger Cold War economic sanctions where it hurts: export bans on key parts for its oil industry, even being cut out of its access to the Western banking sector. No more.
Russia sees an America distracted: Putin’s Ukrainian gambit was a shock to the U.S. foreign policy establishment. They prefer talking about China, or participating in Israeli-Palestinian peace talks. Russia sees an America vulnerable: in Afghanistan, in Syria and on Iran—a United States that desperately needs Russian support to continue shipping its supplies, host any peace conference or enforce its sanctions.
Moscow is not nervous. Russia’s elites have exposed themselves in a gigantic manner – everything they hold dear is now locked up in European properties and bank accounts. Theoretically, this makes them vulnerable. The EU could, with a sudden rush of money-laundering investigations and visa bans, cut them off from their wealth. But, time and time again, they have watched European governments balk at passing anything remotely similar to the U.S. Magnitsky Act, which bars a handful of criminal-officials from entering the United States.

All this has made Putin confident, very confident – confident that European elites are more concerned about making money than standing up to him. The evidence is there. After Russia’s strike force reached the outskirts of Tbilisi, the Georgian capital, in 2008, there were statements and bluster, but not a squeak about Russia’s billions. After Russia’s opposition were thrown into show trials, there were concerned letters from the European Union, but again silence about Russia’s billions.

The Kremlin thinks it knows Europe’s dirty secret now. The Kremlin thinks it has the European establishment down to a tee. The grim men who run Putin’s Russia see them like latter-day Soviet politicians. Back in the 1980s, the USSR talked about international Marxism but no longer believed it. Brussels today, Russia believes, talks about human rights but no longer believes in it. Europe is really run by an elite with the morality of the hedge fund: Make money at all costs and move it offshore."


Blog Question:
Has United States lost it's once "feared" and "respected" status in the world today?  Is Russia, as the article suggest, about to make a major move and re-establish itself, economically, politically and militarily as a major super power?

50 comments:

  1. Russia is definitely making a huge power move. The article supports this argument completely. Russia isn’t paying any attention to any nations denouncing its actions and is continuing its invasion (or whatever you want to call it) into Ukraine without batting an eyelash. Russia simply doesn’t care about other nations opinions because they know the only thing that will be damaged is its “reputation” because no physical rebuttal will take place.

    Now enough about Russia. Has the United States lost its status? Well I hope not. As far as the “feared” part of the question is concerned-- Yes, I do think we are still feared. Only nine countries have nuclear weapons and obviously the U.S. is one. We have the most amount of warheads active and thats double the amount that Russia has active. We also are the only country that dropped a weapon of mass destruction; and even though it happened close to a century ago, the USA is still remembered as the macho country that said “hey we aren’t afraid to use these big guns.”

    BUT are we respected? I’d have to go with no. Besides from the American stereotype of being rude, tattooed up, obese, and obnoxious, our foreign policy is probably a blunder as well. As you can see Russia couldn’t care less about Obama’s words. However as I previously stated, due to our massive arsenal we do have the ability of gaining back respect. But is showing off our muscle the smart choice? No.

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    1. Maybe it goes back to that age old question put forth by Machiavelli in "The Prince" - is it better to be loved or feared?

      I'm not 100% sure I agree with your analysis that we are indeed "feared;" at least not by countries that have nukes as well (and I seriously believe that that number will be 10 soon - if Iran can keep buying time). If you have a metal pipe and I have a metal pipe - I'm not sure I'm going to fear you that much nor will you probably fear me. I may have used the pipe before and you know that I'll use it - but when I used it - you didn't have one. Now you do. And if I have a current weak foreign policy and a "family" (people of my nation) that are tired of war and conflict - you might end up banking on the fact that I don't have much stomach to use that pipe anymore.

      Ok, that's probably a HORRIBLE analogy - but I think you get my point.

      I do, on the other hand, agree with your viewpoint about us no longer being respected. That, is bluntly clear.

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    2. I don't think the atomic bombs we dropped a long time ago really matter anymore. Nuclear weapons are much more destructive and scarier than atomic bombs. And yes we do have more nuclear weapons, but honestly, two nuclear weapons are enough. The only point of having so many nukes is for the factor of fear, but if other countries have nukes that fear factor is eliminated. Plus we don't know how strong Russia and it's allies are militarily. For all we know, America may not be the strongest anymore. Are our soldiers ready to fight a war in Russia after being trained to fight in the middle east?

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    3. Mr, Gehm, wouldn't you agree if you more (nuclear weapons) than some other country than you are more powerful/feared? Basically I am trying to say is someone has a million dollars and the other person only had a thousand dollars would the guy with the less money be more reluctant to spending it? I don't know if that analogy makes sense but I'm trying to say that since U.S has more nuclear weaponry than Russia, Russia still should fear U.S because it can't you its weapon as frequently?

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    4. Bish, i agree with Kush. you said that nucear weapons are destructive and scary, so Mr. Gehm as Kush said wouldn't that make the U.S. superior to Russia as because we have more nulcear equitment than Russia does.( allowing for us to be known as dangerous and destructive, which makes me think this should cause countries like Russia to fear us.)

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    5. To Mr. Shah and Karish, i feel a very hard NO is in order for your question "wouldn't you agree if you more (nuclear weapons) than some other country than you are more powerful/feared?" Why exactly. So the United States has 10,000 Warheads. We have more than Russia. The only difference in the power we have over Russia regarding nuclear warfare is that we can destroy the earth about 8 more times than they can. I'll have you know that there is only one earth.. so regardless of who has what number of nukes the real question is who is going to set the first one off. That is where the real fear lies. We all of the power, the danger, and the fear. Question is who is going to start the war. And in these wars all countries lose by default.

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    6. Jen Gomez: I found it amusing when you mentioned other countries making fun of us and calling us fat because it is totally true. How do we expect to be respected if there are so many stereotypes talking the US down? But I do have to disagree with Bish because not all countries have the advanced weapons that we do, to technically the fear factor will most likely never be eliminated.

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    7. You are completely correct when you say that we are feared. We have nuclear weapons while so many other countries don't. Also i do agree that we have lost respect from the past but i do not think it is down to nothing. There are still many countries who we assist who look at us with great respect

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  2. The United States has definitely not lost its once "feared" and "respected" status in the world today. It is still a world power and many countries depend on us. The fear may have decreased a bit and with some debabteable moves our respect may have also take a toll but they have not diminished to nothing.he United States provides amassive amount of foreign aid to various nations, helping to build our respect. In addition, we are the leading producers of energy. We also have the strongest military in thew world and are armed with nuclear power. Mr. Gehm puts forth the analogy of the metal pipe to compare our fear due to us having nukes. However, we must remember that we have the National Missile Defense to prevent against the delivery of ICBMs. So we are much more capable of actually using our metal pipe and we also have a "shield" to prevent us from taking a hit. Russia is without a doubt making a bold move to re establish itself as a world power. They coulod take a great hit if they fail.

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    1. Ya we definitely are still feared and respected! I mean just look at Russia, Putin was trembling when America told him to not invade Ukraine. He was so scared from our threats that he backed off immediately! Oh and I'm so glad we stopped Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. And look at the war on terror, it was so successful! We are so ready to go to war again! And our economy is as good as it can be! And we have the best foreign policy ever! We are the most powerful country, and we are so feared and respected!
      Now for your comment about nuclear weapons, we do not have a shield. There is no shield against nuclear weapons. There is no winner in a nuclear war.

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    2. And just in case you didn't realize, most of my comment was sarcastic. We have completely lost respect and fear.

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    3. Abu surprisingly I agree that our respect hasn't diminished to nothing. But, does the United States have the potential for it to reach depletion? Of course. If we keep the course of action that is continuing today, there definitely will be consequences to this. Which may be losing all respect or collapsing economically.

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    4. Abu you sound really optimistic. Read my statistic on what American feel about the respect of their country. 70 percent say they have felt America is no longer respected as it once was before and countries don't take us seriously. When we warn countries about their actions they no longer respect our warnings and do what they want.

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    5. I totally agree with ya abu about we have lost our respected status. but, there is no way we are getting that back. Take into account the example, I used in my post. Obama clearly told Russia, that their invasion in Ukraine would be absurd. But, did Russia listen to what wise U.S. said ? NOO!! It's not just Russia, there are so many countries that we warn today, but not many listen. And that is because we are not a respected nation.

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    6. Bishoy i completely agree with your statement "We are the most powerful country, and we are so feared and respected!"

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    7. To address the shield we have i have two points: it isn't a shield and we aren't the only ones with missile defense. ICBM's are Intercontinental ballistic missiles which are the means of delivery for nuclear warheads. These missiles can be shot down in three different phases. Launch, flight, and terminal phase. Two point about this defense. Number 1 shooting down an ICBM is extremely hard and has a pretty high percentage of failure. Number 2 no matter where you eliminate an ICBM damage will be made. The nuke will go off regardless and because of that their will be destruction. Also Russia can use their pipe like us because they have a shield too. As a matter of a fact currently the United States, Russia, China, France, India, and Israel all have shields against ICBMs. We are not alone.

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  3. The United State definitely has lost its "feared" and "respected" status. If America was still feared like before, than Putin would never even consider invading Ukraine while America was warning him not to. America couldn't even handle the situation in Syria, Russia had to step in. America couldn't even speak out against Iran to prevent them from being allowed to have nuclear weapons. America's economy is weak, and we're still messing around in the Middle East. Our soldiers and our people are not ready for a war. The great ol country of America has lost its previous power that it once held, without a doubt. America's time to shine is over. It had enough prosperous years.
    Now time to talk about Russia. See why I'm scared of Russia is that this whole scenario reminds me to much of WWII. Let's take a look on how Germany invaded Czechoslovakia. They didn't take it by force, they took it by splitting it into two regions, and then annexing both regions. Looks take a look at the Ukraine. They are splitting the Ukraine (with the referendum) and taking Crimea, and then they will take the rest of Ukraine later on. Even if the Ukraine government decides to fight back, Russia will easily overpower them. If Ukraine does fight back though, and Russia does not back off, it will spark the war in Europe.
    Let's take a look at Russia's allies: Kazakhstan, China, India, Iran, Syria, and potentially Egypt (which is an important military location due to the Suez Canal and the ease of access into Europe). I say those are strong allies for Russia, maybe strong enough to take on the US and its allies.
    I hope I'm wrong and no war breaks out, especially because Russia has a good chance of winning this potential war. And if Russia does try to pull a Hitler,It won't happen overnight. It might take years for this war to erupt. I could even see Russia sending men into neighboring countries to incite rebellions, and then coming into said country and annex it to "protect its Russian citizens." I also recommend America to fix its border control problem.

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    1. Bish I agree with your post. In fact, I feel like this blog topic is very one-sided and does not have a lot to discuss.

      However I just want to challenge one of the points you made. “If America was still feared like before, than Putin would never even consider invading Ukraine while America was warning him not to.” I feel like this is a wrong assumption because even when America was at it’s strongest point as a world power (I’d say in the 1950’s) Russia was still challenging for war. This assumption might prove as true when a country like United States warns a country like Kenya to back down. But when two countries are equally matched in weaponry power like the United States and Russia this does not always apply.

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    2. See I would agree to this, but the way Putin handled America's threats shows that America is weak. Putin not only completely ignored the threats, but he also went as far as saying that America's threats would probably backfire, and that America would get hurt. In addition, America is supposed to be number one militarily, but apparently Russia doesn't think so.

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    3. Bishoy, I honestly agree with everything. You are correct when you state U>S. has lost its respect status in the world today. When you said "enough prosperous years," referring to the United States don't you think that is drastic? I mean I still believe America can regain its respect and once again become a dominating world power again. We are still advancing in modern science and technology so saying it can no longer prosper again is insane. You sound as you are counting this country out and believe it no longer is considered a top country.

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    4. Bish, i agree with you on that fact that we have lost our respect status, but as for being feared, may I repeat we have POWERFUL NUCLEAR WEAPONSS, and a strong military. What can be recognized as being feared, other than that?

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    5. Karishma: What we have is all bark and no bite. Yes we have nuclear weapons, but do you really think America is going to be stupid enough to be the first to nuke a country? Besides other countries have nuclear weapons too, so they won't exactly fear America. And if you make the argument that we have the most nuclear weapons, I will simply say, how does having more nukes help? One nuke is devastating enough. Do you really think we will use more than 3 nukes if stuff hits the fan? We have the capability to destroy the world 52 times, that doesn't mean we will actually do it. In addition, what good is a military if the people of the country, and the soldiers themselves, are not prepared, and do not want to, go to war?
      Kush: What I am saying is that America has already peaked. It was once top dog, but not anymore. The country's golden age has passed. It will no longer be #1. Every empire comes to an end. Our glory days are over for now

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    6. Bishoy very very pessimistic indeed. As you added a very sarcastic tone to your comment to me I will do the same to you:


      Russia… what a strong country. They have the outstanding THIRD WORLD trading profile. Also its not like the United States has the strongest military in the world right now?? Of course not. Military doesn’t mean anything. Oh also, America only has the best GDP in the old right now. That’s no big deal. We don’t have much influence at all even though countries need us for many things. Pshhh… who even looks at militaries nowadays. Now I must visit your favorite topic Bish… the European Union. They are so great that they are almost at a 12 percent unemploymentNo biggie. Oh and I almost forgot. Russia has soooo many allies. But the United States sends so much foreign aid YET no one likes the, right?? They have no allies right bishoy??

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    7. Jen Gomez: B, im scared of Russia too. But apart from that, I disagree with what you said about Putin doing things differently. I feel as if Russia has always been the type to not hold back and they are sneaky. So I would not think of them to hold back on an attack just because we were feared.

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  4. Fear and respect are two different things; United States is still feared but no longer respected in the world today. The whole reason United States is feared in the world today is for two reasons: Strongest military & nuclear weapons. As Maya mentioned before me only nine countries in the world have nuclear weapon out of a hundred ninety six countries in the world. When you have something so powerful and threatening that majority of the world don’t, you will always be feared. Basically having nuclear weapons you can always bully other countries in the sense of stating if you don’t do what we say we can use our nuclear weaponry. On the other hand, the status of respected has lessened. Pew Research Center poll reveals that 70 percent of American’s say the U.S. is less respected by other countries than in the past. In the past, when United States said something the word was golden and everyone adhered to it. Prime example is when Obama warned Russia not to invade Ukraine but Putin didn’t care what America had to say and did what he wanted to. Most definitely Russia is making a move to re-establish itself as a major super power. They are exercising their power by invading Ukraine, the more land you have the power you have. Land means opportunity to grow politically and economically. It will help them expand and provide more raw materials and resources.

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    1. Kush I completely agree. A point people are missing is that: yes, nuclear weapons can not necessarily psych out a country that also has the weapons, BUT all there are so many countries who do not have these weapons. Therefore, we are feared. Maybe not be 100 percent of the world, but by a majority? Yes.

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    2. It also comes down to more than just the nuclear weapons. Sure we possess them, and other nations do, but not many nations match our military budget or size.

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    3. If Putin decides to make more moves to invade other countries, those added raw materials could escalate matters. Ukraine has lots of minerals, especially iron and titanium ore, as well as some of the deepest coal mines in Europe. They also have lots of natural gas and petroleum. All of these materials could come in handy if Russia's going to be building weapons and building up an army.

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    4. "Basically having nuclear weapons you can always bully other countries in the sense of stating if you don’t do what we say we can use our nuclear weaponry." Kush, I never heard of America threatening another country with a nuclear attack if that country does not do as America says. Nukes are supposed to be a deterrent for war, not a tool used for bullying. Besides, even if America did threaten to nuke a country, do you really think America would follow through with their words? No, because once one nuke is fired, all hell will break lose, and America knows this. America can not use its nuclear capabilities as a fear factor to force other countries into doing America's will.

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    5. I also don't agree with your statement Kush. It isn't the current threat of using the nukes on other nations that scares them. They are like the elephant in the room. They are afraid of our unused potential and capabilities.

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    6. I actually agree with you Kush. I think that the respect level of the United States has decreased. But I do not think it has diminished to nothing. The United States made a few bad decisions resulting in this loss of respect but it is not all gone.

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    7. Jen Gomez: I completely agree with your perspective on the fear factor. Obtaining these nuclear weapons most definitely does give us the upper hand, and increases fear in many other countries that do not obtain these weapons. Another component you mentioned was our military, which is also a very powerful aspect to the US.

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    8. I agree that fear and respect are two totally different things. The United States is still somewhat feared because of its military and nuclear weaponry; countries know that the United States could do harm if it needed to. But respect deals with how countries value the United States; if they think we are significant and not a laughing stock.

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  6. The U.S. has most definitely lost its used to be respected status, but not its feared status. For the respected part of this, there is no longer a way for U.S. to gain back that respect as we once used to have, only for one main reason being that the world today has become to stereotypical. And the America has been stereotyped as being cruel, unfair, chaotic mess, and repugnant. An example was when Obama specifically told Russia that entering Ukraine was a bad idea to start with, but sadly Putin refused to listen. As for the feared status, I think we still have it in us. We are one of the 9 countries that have the most and strongest nuclear weapons. In addition, we also have the strongest military. So, when in possession of such dangerous elements, then what else will you be viewed as other than feared. As Maya said, “ U.S. is remembered for their brawny abilities ( the big guys that are aren’t afraid to use guns.) And I would say that Russia is definitely trying once again to regain their status as a major power.

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    1. You will be viewed as all talk with no game. At this point with the knowledge of nuclear weapons, our fear would play a role in the event of nuclear war. However, as long as no one tips the iceberg the number of nukes we have is quite irrelevant. The U.S. is not going to be the one to launch a nuke first and regardless of that we wouldn't even be able to use all the nukes we have in a war. There wouldn't be an earth. We are known for having the strongest army but can that really stand up in a war today? It is almost as if we'd be a championship boxer coming out of retirement. Are we still at the top? Only a fight will tell.

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    2. I thought Russia was always one of the major powers of the world, they are just trying to be on top. And while I agree the United States does not have as strong of an influence as it used to have, Putin or any other nation does not have to listen to or please the United States. Maybe countries are just starting to realize why the United States is THE world power and who's to say others can't.

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    3. I feel like everyone is saying the same thing. But here it goes, I am completely against your statement that the U.S is still feared toady.I mean sure, the U.S have nuclear power and great military strength but, everybody knows this. There is no surprise element. Like, I would feel more fear towards something I know less about. For example, Country A has great military strength then rumor has it, they have nuclear power and something else...Now the stuff mentioned about Country A is vague and it makes me think about what that something else is all about..

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  7. I think it is definitely an exaggerated statement to say that the fear other nation's feel towards America has been lost. America has been and still is one of the most feared countries in the world. When it comes down to it, other world powers are aware that the US holds back in many ways but in reality has enough weaponry to cause massive damage. We also spend more money on our military supplies/weapons than any other power in the world. Therefore, our status as an intimidating nation is far from diminished. In regard to respect, I think other countries deem as us elitists and do have some negative connotations about the American people. The fear definitely remains, although the respect other nation's have for us has been exponentially decreasing.

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  8. The United States is still feared, just not by all the countries in the world. They fear us only because of the threat of nuclear war and the fact that the entire world’s economy relies on U.S. dollars for trading.
    Now as far as respect goes…. It would be pretty easy to believe that we’re no longer respected the way we once were. With our constant deadlocking and internal fighting, it’s hard for other countries to look to us to set a good example of democracy. And it’s pretty hard to respect a country that can’t even manage its own finances in a reasonable manner…..
    As per Russia; it’s definitely making a move to become a super power. Putin wouldn’t make such a bold move as invading the Ukraine when the whole world is watching if he didn’t have something up his sleeve.

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    1. I agree with your stance on the respect aspect. I feel as if our government is at the head of numerous jokes and laughing stocks of the world based on our full displayed blunders and deadlock too.

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    2. Our government is the butt of jokes made by American citizens all the time.... So we're definitely viewed as a laughing stock by other countries.

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    3. I agree, there is too much deadlock and internal fighting. How can we be respected if our government shuts down and we can't agree on anything maturely?

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    4. I disagree, The U.S is not feared as it used to be. Everybody knows what the U.S is going through. Like although we do have offensive and defensive powers, we do not have that commanding aura and prestige as I mentioned in my post, because of the image we created and yeah. And as you mentioned "Our government is the butt of jokes made by American citizens all the time." how will other countries fear and respect the U.S if it's own citizens makes fun of its own government?

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  9. I feel the need to begin this blog by addressing the fear aspect of our nation and nuclear warfare. While on paper we may have still have the strongest military in the world, it has been a long time since our nation has fought a full scale war against a full scaled army. The enduring “war on terror” does not suffice as an example of our military strength and personally I feel we are not ready militarily, without even mentioning economically, for a full scale war. The tactics our military is currently utilizes are strategies combating a war on terror, a war in the Middle East. A war in Europe, A war fought In RUSSIA, would be a whole different ball game and unfortunately a situation we are not prepared for. But let us talk about nuclear warfare. Are we still as feared as in the past? Answer to me is heck no. Yeah we have nukes. So does Russia, the UK, France, China, India, Pakistan, North Korea, and Israel. Oh but we have more? So what. Give a country one nuke and they are just as dangerous as us because these Nuclear weapons are weapons of mass destruction. You drop a nuke and you obliterate anything in the proximity. So who cares if you have 500 or 5, the real fear is who is going to be the one to reach that breaking point. Who drops the first nuke? That is the real fear because once one goes it will mean nuclear war and as Bishoy said no one wins in a nuclear war. It is like the saying “If I go down you are coming down with me.” Scary idea. To me our nukes are like guns with no ammo. They are for show and once someone finds out the gun isn’t loaded they aren’t afraid of you. You can’t use that gun against them just like the U.S. won’t use their nukes. And when we failed to speak out against Iran to prevent them from being allowed to have nuclear weapons, I feel we showed them an empty clip. The fear factor has dissipated.
    Oh but we are respected right? To avoid repeating what everyone said let’s just say Russia tested our authority with the odds in their favor. We are currently unstable economically, militarily unprepared, and have a weak connection through foreign policy. So our “Hey, you can’t do that” meant nothing to Putin and Russia. Why? Because we aren’t going to intervene unless we are forced into it like always. We can talk all we want but Russia clearly understands the lack of authority the U.S. now presents in Europe.
    Now Russia, Russia, Russia. Are they making a major move into developing back into a superpower? I would say as of right now no. Do they want to yes and it is definitely their intention but in Ukraine no. Why? I feel this is almost like a trial. They want to see if anyone is going to do anything about it. See how much freedom they have how much leeway and how much they can get away with. But after reading Bishoy’s comparison to WWII. I’m convinced of the possibilities of a WW2.5 in the near future.

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  10. I think the United States has lost its fear and respect from other countries. It is not the same country as it used to be about a century ago. Then we were innovative, resourceful, and more independent. Now, the United States imports more than it exports, and relies heavily on foreign countries. The United States is brought down by the usual stereotypes; that citizens are overweight, ignorant, and rude. Aside from that, the United States still has the strongest military power in the world; but Russia is still tougher. When you think of Russia, you don't laugh. Russia means business, and is strong enough to invade and conquer any country it likes. I think the major reason for Russia's dominance is the behavior of president Vladimir Putin. He is not "cool" like Obama. America has made Obama into another celebrity, having him make guest appearances on comedy shows and having photos taken by selected photographers. Putin remains fierce and authoritative; he wears a stone cold face on purpose. I think Obama's casual appearance has contributed to the nation's deteriorating respect and fear factor.

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    1. James, I absolutely agree with you that the U.S has lost its fear factor. Again, all the assets the U.S have is out there. And that 'boom' that the U.S used to have is now gone due to its economic status. I mean sure, the U.S do have nuclear power and it does have a great military power but, can it manage to finance all these stuff in times of war? I don't think so, the economy is just severely down there. so yeah

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  11. Blog of Jen Gomez

    The United States has not lost its “feared” status at all. We are most definitely still considered very powerful..apart from the fact that many countries economies rely on us. Although some may doubt our country due to our economic status, they do not doubt our military power nor our nuclear weapons. Our status as a nation has not declined, mainly because of the young nations history. We are known to be able to get out of any severe problems, which is also why we are so powerful. I do have to agree with my classmates on the loss of “respect”. Like Maya had mentioned, America has been branded and is continued to be “bullied”. These stereotypes are responsible for the loss of respect by the other countries because it makes America look foolish. Ultimately, Russia is most definitely making a move to re-establish itself as a major power. Seeing Russia just walk in and invade Ukraine most definitely evoked a sense of fear in me. Russia yearns for the power we had for so many years, and this is the start of their journey to gain that power.

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    1. Although we are considered very powerful, it doesn't mean we are still feared. They know we have all these stuff going on such as nuclear power, great military power, and most of all a struggling economy. Also, just like in movies, don't we find scenes scarier when we do not know that something is about to happen? Same thing applies to the status of the U.S. There's no surprise element or something that could stir fear again. And as for your statement "America has been branded and is continued to be “bullied”. These stereotypes are responsible for the loss of respect by the other countries because it makes America look foolish." Didn't we create this image though? Just like what James mentioned, our president is labeled as another celebrity. Like our President is depicted as cool and stuff. While Russia's Putin is depicted as stern. So, the loss of respect is our fault somehow.

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  12. Okay, so I think the United States is now less feared by other nations because its assets are all out there in the open. Everybody knows what the U.S is capable of and what its military strength is. I mean do you really fear something you know? I don't think so. It's the same thing as being scared of the dark. People are scared of the dark because they do not know what is waiting for them. However, this fear fleets away as you discover that 'hey, it's the same room, same surrounding as it is in daylight, the only difference is its dark and I can't see.' So yeah, i feel like if you know something less about something or someone the more you fear it.
    As for the respectability of the United States, I feel like it isn't respected as it used to be because it got itself involved in so many international affairs, that it's presence is common. Also, I believe that due to the debt that the U.S have and due to its economic crisis, other nations respect the U.S less. Like if you have less money and you are not rich, you don't have that prestige and commanding aura.. and so there goes respect... sailing away.. gradually
    And as for Russia's action, I do believe they are trying to re-establish itself as a power because why make such a bold move when you do not intend to make such a big statement? So yeah

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