Sir Winston Churchill defined Russia as "a riddle, wrapped in a mystery, inside an enigma" But it was Otto von Bismarck who had the ability to solve the riddle. As a conservative statesman, diplomat, more than that a man with a strategic mind he had Russia wired on his palm. To understand Russia you need to walk in the footsteps of Bismarck. Here is why?
What happens when you provoke Russia? Here comes a stunning statement from the strategist: “I know a hundred ways to pull Russian bear from its den, but no one, to pull him back. Do not therefore tease the Russian Bear”!
Can you browbeat Russia when she is down? Or can you renege what you have agreed to her when she is down? America simply did that. Assurance was given in 1991 that “not an inch towards the East NATO would expand”. The promise was later rubbished to the dustbin by the West.
Here is quintessential Bismarck, as the Chancellor counsels: “Do not expect that once after taking advantage of Russia's weakness, you will receive dividends forever. Russians had always come for their money. And when they come, do not rely on an agreement signed by you, you are supposed to justify. These are not worth the paper it is written on. Therefore, with the Russian either play fair, or do not play.
What counter measures Russia would choose? Cautions Bismarck: “Never fight with Russians, on your every stratagem, they answer unpredictable stupidity”. The implication here is what you expected Russia to do when challenged would never eventuate. Instead Russia would come with the guile you had never dreamt for!
Finally when asked what the secret of politics is, the chancellor paused for a moment and came out with a pithy but straight forward response: “Make a good deal with Russia”.
Cheers!
Muthu
Ashraff Rajulu
Business Strategist
Mobile: + 94 777 265677
E-mail: cosmicgems@gmail.com
Blog: Business Strategist
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