The Ukrainian war against the Russian invaders is as fierce a fight for democracy as those of us in the U.S. who support democratic self-government are waging against the fascist MAGA Republicans. Moreover, pro-democracy participants say they can spare no effort to save democracy. Yet, neither struggle makes one sense that everything that could be done is being done. Some observers have given two reasons for moderation in the fight against Russian aggression.
Even though the unexpected failure of the Russian Army to perform effectively against the Ukrainian Army, some observers still expect it to reassert itself and defeat or, at least, stalemate the Ukrainian Army. Interestingly, Russian President Putin is increasingly relying on irregular volunteers and proxy forces rather than the elements of the Russian Army. Putin has lost confidence in regular Russian Army forces. Other observers also argue that if Russian troops cannot defeat or stalemate the Ukrainian Army, Putin will unveil his chemical or nuclear weapons. But regardless of the weapons used, the failures of the Russian Army do not suggest that changing the choice of weapons will infuse them with more success. Using chemical or nuclear weapons will undoubtedly bring NATO forces into the battle on the Ukrainian Army's side to ensure the Russian Army's defeat.
Despite the differences between these two situations, there is one similarity. Some observers of the U.S. fight believe that going after fascists will make the country look like a "banana republic" and persuade even more people to become fascists. Observers also call for moderation in addressing the threats posed by fascists in the U.S. They do not articulate their reasons as clearly as Putin observers. Without proof, observers can find reasons for moderation even when the stakes are admittedly high.
Even though the unexpected failure of the Russian Army to perform effectively against the Ukrainian Army, some observers still expect it to reassert itself and defeat or, at least, stalemate the Ukrainian Army. Interestingly, Russian President Putin is increasingly relying on irregular volunteers and proxy forces rather than the elements of the Russian Army. Putin has lost confidence in regular Russian Army forces. Other observers also argue that if Russian troops cannot defeat or stalemate the Ukrainian Army, Putin will unveil his chemical or nuclear weapons. But regardless of the weapons used, the failures of the Russian Army do not suggest that changing the choice of weapons will infuse them with more success. Using chemical or nuclear weapons will undoubtedly bring NATO forces into the battle on the Ukrainian Army's side to ensure the Russian Army's defeat.
Despite the differences between these two situations, there is one similarity. Some observers of the U.S. fight believe that going after fascists will make the country look like a "banana republic" and persuade even more people to become fascists. Observers also call for moderation in addressing the threats posed by fascists in the U.S. They do not articulate their reasons as clearly as Putin observers. Without proof, observers can find reasons for moderation even when the stakes are admittedly high.