The 2016 election is not the only political thing around. There is also what is going on in Russia. We are clearly in a new Cold War with Russia. Personally, I think the way to contain Russia is to supply technology to Poland and other Eastern European countries. That includes building a missile defense shield. Personally, I don't think Russia will survive into the next decade. But what is your opinion about Cold War II?

Originally Posted by naf140230

The 2016 election is not the only political thing around. There is also what is going on in Russia. We are clearly in a new Cold War with Russia. Personally, I think the way to contain Russia is to supply technology to Poland and other Eastern European countries. That includes building a missile defense shield. Personally, I don't think Russia will survive into the next decade. But what is your opinion about Cold War II?

Russia has been around for a long time, and rarely is it in the vanguard in anything. It's always been autocratic, and suffers for it. Nonetheless, it will survive on its massive mineral wealth and the uniquely Russian skill of getting by.

Originally Posted by Marx & Lennon

Russia has been around for a long time, and rarely is it in the vanguard in anything. It's always been autocratic, and suffers for it. Nonetheless, it will survive on its massive mineral wealth and the uniquely Russian skill of getting by.

Russia should never be underestimated. It appears to me that the big issue for Russia is a declining population that may invite encroachment from other nations with large populations.

Originally Posted by radind

Russia should never be underestimated. It appears to me that the big issue for Russia is a declining population that may invite encroachment from other nations with large populations.

Yeah, China has not forgotten past land taking in the Tsarist era of Russia. I do remember reading about the 1969 Sino-Soviet border dispute.
Prolouge for a future problem?

Originally Posted by radind

Russia should never be underestimated. It appears to me that the big issue for Russia is a declining population that may invite encroachment from other nations with large populations.

100 years from now I expect China to control a large chunk of Siberia and that what used to be "Soviet Central Asia" will be an area under the Chinese and Indian spheres of influence.

Originally Posted by Odin

100 years from now I expect China to control a large chunk of Siberia and that what used to be "Soviet Central Asia" will be an area under the Chinese and Indian spheres of influence.

I don't think China will control Siberia, but, after being stabilized by the US in the mid-21st century, I expect it to at least have influence over Siberia.

Originally Posted by Odin

100 years from now I expect China to control a large chunk of Siberia and that what used to be "Soviet Central Asia" will be an area under the Chinese and Indian spheres of influence.

When you control the single largest landmass on the planet, but have 40% of the planet's population living just to the south of the least densely populated part of that landmass, your options are limited. I don't see the Russians fighting with the Chinese, even assuming they can leverage an alliance with India. In fact, it might benefit all three if the area becomes a bit amorphous. It's quite possible that the Chinese and Indians will supply population, and receive special rights in return. Eventually, the bulk of the area may devolve into a Cooperative Area of some kind, with all three entities gaining benefits by the joint effort. Considering the glacial pace this may involve, the end product may never fully emerge.

Originally Posted by Marx & Lennon

When you control the single largest landmass on the planet, but have 40% of the planet's population living just to the south of the least densely populated part of that landmass, your options are limited. I don't see the Russians fighting with the Chinese, even assuming they can leverage an alliance with India. In fact, it might benefit all three if the area becomes a bit amorphous. It's quite possible that the Chinese and Indians will supply population, and receive special rights in return. Eventually, the bulk of the area may devolve into a Cooperative Area of some kind, with all three entities gaining benefits by the joint effort. Considering the glacial pace this may involve, the end product may never fully emerge.

Climate change might be a wild card wrt Siberia. Might it become a home of "climate refugees"?

Originally Posted by The Wonkette

Climate change might be a wild card wrt Siberia. Might it become a home of "climate refugees"?

I hadn't considered that, but it's certainly possible. Everything east of the Urals is typically cold to frigid, and underpopulated as well. A little Global Warming might trigger immigration in a big way. Good thought!