Putin wrote a lengthy essay about Ukraine’s historic relationship with Russia. (I’d link directly to it but my government restricts access to it.) If you’re going to spend billions in Canadian tax dollars to fight a war with Putin, it might be worth taking the time to find it and read it. The Atlantic Council gave it a shot. Putin published it in July of 2021. It so thoroughly telegraphed his intentions, it’s hard to believe anyone ever doubted he’d wage war with Ukraine. It’s reminiscent of Conrad Black’s treatment of Canadian history. It has that cultured megalomaniac flare and the telltale argument style of a quality legal education. Overall, it’s a decent read. The essay popped up during a conversation on the academic merits of Michael Ignatieff, one of Canada’s last intellectuals. I made the point that Russian leaders, formed by a French-influenced Russian education, can’t help but frame their actions within a historical context while most modern world leaders cannot. Trudeau is intellectually incapable of writing an essay like this.
Where was I going with this? What most struck me about Putin’s essay is how French culture has changed Russia over the centuries, and I’m not just talking about Richelieu’s governorship of Odessa. France has always formed military partnerships with distinct ethnic groups. This type of fraternity was once France’s singular strength. It’s a skill a country like China can’t quite achieve. (Failed partnership can be humiliating especially if you’re as racist and controlling as China.) And you might think getting your ass kicked would not be a good basis for military partnership but, human males are driven to partner with males who dominate them. The proof is right there in our genes. Kadyrov quite famously handed Putin his own ass then became his friend. Now, Putin may soon offer Ramzan Kadyrov governorship of the Luhansk and Donbas region, or rather its historical range from Odessa to Kharkiv.
In the Sardaukarization of Chechen fighters during this Ukraine war Putin may have re-introduced the full Muslim cultural dimension, one which both Stalin’s Russia and Ukraine had attempted to ethnically cleanse (how very French of him). Kadyrov may fail to live up to the challenge and serve only as decorative bobblehead on Ukraine’s future dashboard. Then again, he may actually succeed in pulling the Muslim world back to Ukraine. What could success look like? The reconstruction of Mariupol into the Muslim world gateway to the west. The possible formation of a more Tatarin-appeasing nation along the shores of the Azov sea? The wealth and power-broker potential of the endeavour is obvious. If Kadyrov fails, he may not even be the only candidate for this highly coveted role. First, there would be obvious labour issues. Let’s see, who has millions of displaced Muslim men and women on their hands? Hmmm, let me think. It’s all flowing in this direction. Dubai was a far less impressive prospect than Mariupol only a few decades ago.
Yeah y’know, Chechen homophobia is famous yet one day I think I want someone to look at me like Ramzan Kadyrov looks at Khabib Nurmagomedov…
