LETTER: Russia is the warmonger, not Nato

Terry Crawford-Browne demonstrates naiveté and a profound lack of knowledge and understanding of the Russian state and its intentions under Vladimir Putin in (“Russia has a more legitimate claim to ‘self-defence’ than the US ever had”, January 30). Since taking the reins of power in 2000 Putin and his cabal of oligarchs, former KGB strongmen and acquaintances involved in organised crime have geared Russia for global influence campaigns and war.

The argument of Russian “self-defence” is one virtually impossible to maintain on examination of facts. Since the break-up of the Soviet Union there have been no incursions by other nation states on Russian territory. The same cannot be said of Russia; in addition to Ukraine it previously invaded Georgia, and stokes separatist activity in the Moldovan region of Transnistria.

The argument that Nato has “encroached” on Russia is patently false. Every single state that joined the alliance after the Soviet Union’s break-up did so willingly, motivated by their own experiences of Russian domination during the Cold War.

Furthermore, Russian influence abroad undermines democratic institutions and props up autocratic and despotic regimes throughout the world, notably in Africa. This is done through hard power, through the activities of the Wagner Group (a state-linked paramilitary organisation that supported Omar al-Bashir and the current military regime in Sudan, and stands accused of gross human rights violations in Mali, among other countries). 

It also does so through disinformation through groups such as the Internet Research Agency and the Association for Free Research & International Cooperation. The latter two groups have sought to influence public opinion and elections on the continent, including SA. All of these groups are, not coincidentally, linked to Yevgeniy Prigozhin, a close Putin ally.

Crawford-Browne’s letter smacks of limited knowledge of Russia’s intentions and appeasement of a dictatorial, warmongering regime. That sort of thinking was on full display by pacifists and politicians in 1930s Europe amid the rise of Nazi Germany. Fortunately, most of Europe’s leaders appear to have learnt the lesson that there can be no appeasement of a dictator bent on expansion, through military means and otherwise.

The letter also displays “whataboutism” by comparing Russia with the US. The argument is not that the US is innocent. The argument is that Russia is guilty. The two are not mutually exclusive.

Finally, SA “neutrality” is a myth. It has embraced Russia throughout this conflict. Despite its claims, one cannot claim to be neutral when the fence one is sitting on belongs to the aggressor.

Michael McLaggan
Global Initiative Against Transnational Organised Crime

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