Infinite growth on a finite world is impossible. But once the world was a much roomier place.
Kremlin mouthpiece RT, celebrating the long history of Russian Imperialism and colonialism.
The rise and fall of ‘Russian Hawaii’: How America’s 50th state almost ended up under the Tsar’s control
…1783 may be considered the year of the founding of Russian America. This is the same year in which Crimea and Georgia became part of the Russian Empire.
In January 1815, a storm washed ashore the ship ‘Bering’, which belonged to the Russian American Company. This happened in the bay of Waimea – the same place where James Cook once sailed. Using the ancient custom of coastal law, Kaumualii appropriated the ship’s cargo, estimated to have been around 100,000 rubles. When news of this reached Novo-Arkhangelsk, Baranov set out to reclaim the goods….
….the plan was to take the company’s property from Kaumualii or get a ransom with sandalwood, load it onto another ship, the ‘Kodiak’ and sail on to China to sell the cargo….
…The process stalled, and Schaffer considered ‘plan B’. He would sail to Kauai on his own – after all, he already had a ship and all the necessary permissions, so he could even seize the island by force. Imagine his surprise when, instead of long negotiations and resistance, Kaumualii, who had just literally robbed the company, offered to pay compensation for the entire cost of the cargo, recognize himself as a vassal of the Russian Tsar,…
…. At the beginning of the 19th century, a geopolitical vacuum reigned in the Eastern Pacific Ocean. British companies had not yet reached British Columbia, the United States would ‘notice’ California only with the start of the Gold Rush in 1837, Spain no longer had the strength to move north of San Francisco Bay. For two or three decades, Russia really had all the cards in its hands….
Fast forward to the 21st Century, economic expansionism and schemes for colonial conquest still shapes world events.
Until the day all countries learn to live sustainably within their own borders the war of all against all, will continue.
Pat O’Dea is a trade unionist and human rights activist.
Interesting that you have no objection to the occupation of Alaska and Hawaii and so many other real nations by the filthy American scum, Pat.
On what possible grounds did you come to that conclusion?
I am opposed to all imperialists and colonisers.
But somehow if someone dares criticise the Russian imperialists they must be pro the American imperialists?
What’s with that?
Imperialism is defined as the monopoly stage of capitalism, where the export of capital is predominant over the export of commodities, and financial capital is preeminent over industrial.
We are not presented with any evidence that outward F.D.I. from Russia is greater than the export of goods — because it isn’t true.
Russia is a military superpower, but she is no longer an imperialist power — this period only lasted from the turn of the century until 1917. However, she is under attack by an imperialist power (with the aim of breaking the country into pieces).
“Russia is a military superpower, but she is no longer an imperialist power — this period only lasted from the turn of the century until 1917” Kristoff R.
If you really think that Russian imperialimst ended in 1017. Maybe you could explain what the hell the Soviet Union was doing in Afghanistan.
If you claim that Russia is not an imperialist state, I think that would be a lot of explaining to do
Maybe it is my fault for concentrating too much on the Russian Tzarist imperialism and not enough on Soviet and post Soviet Russian imperialism.
If the present day Russian Federation military interventions in Chechnya and Syria aren’t enough to convince you that the Russian Federation isn’t an imperialist power. Maybe Russia’s numerous imperialist interventions in Africa might.
Modern Russian imperialism
….In combination with the Malian military junta, foreign soldiers “summarily executed an estimated 300 civilian men,” in the town of Moura in late March.
….. since the French were ejected by the Malian state at the end of February, Russian soldiers, and allied Russian mercenaries (including from the infamous Wagner Group), have taken their place.
…..It might be a little surprising to see how deeply involved Russia and its mercenary armies are in Africa, and how many massacres they seem to be behind.
“The day after the military staged a coup in Burkina Faso in January, supporters of the new regime took to the streets waving Russian flags,” writes Samuel Ramani, the author of the upcoming Russia in Africa, in Foreign Affairs. He documents a diplomatic and military strategy to become an indispensable player on the continent…..
…..the Malian army and the Russians executed hundreds of men in small detachments. The majority of those killed were from certain minority ethnicities, and were not accused of membership of Islamist groups.
https://spectatorworld.com/topic/putins-imperialism-in-africa/
And on it goes.
Sure the Russian inperialists don’t have nearly as many foreign bases as the US imperialists do. But it is not from want of trying.
Russia seems to be in a difficult position. Finland has lived peacefully with Russia since WWII, and Russia would prefer it if all countries on her border were to follow Finland’s example. The US, on the other hand is doing its best to undermine her and ensure that that situation doesn’t come about, and I guess a legacy of oppression under the rule of the former Soviet Union doesn’t help.
America has realised that an imperialism of territory is no longer viable and seeks to maintain an “imperialism” of money. To this end the US is endeavoring to ensure that the US dollar remains the worlds “reserve’ currency; and since virtually all countries need oil, they are trying to control oil markets to ensure that transactions are paid for in US dollars. That way all countries will need US dollars to pay for oil imports. Russia is an important oil exporter who wants to break up this US money “imperialism” by asking for payment in roubles for is oil.
Is that your idea of discussion JN? FFS! A technicolour yawn when we are learning about the doings of the PTB that have not appeared on your screen before. Perhaps you should wait to read the book before commenting so we can get a rounded picture of your thoughts. I await with interest.
Putin the head of a super-power is a cowardly bully who can launch missiles and drones onto citizens, Why doesn’t he attack the Ukraine troops/army instead of the civilians. Why doesn’t he get back into his own country and leave the Ukraines to themselves. Putin is another Hitler attacking his neighbours and any of the Baltic states need to be on watch.