NATO's War in Yugoslavia: A Threat to Russia's Democracy

As NATO pursues its military action in Yugoslavia, it would be wise to heed the ancient Roman wisdom to "treat your friend as if he will one day be your enemy, and your enemy as if he will one day be your friend." This phrase takes on particular significance in the context of Russia, which is growing increasingly hostile towards NATO's actions. The Russian media is employing Cold War rhetoric, and senior Russian leaders, including President Boris Yeltsin, are using militant language, warning of a potential Russian intervention in Yugoslavia if NATO sends ground troops. This rhetoric reflects Russia's deep-seated humiliation at the loss of superpower status and its struggle to adapt to a post-communist world.

Key Takeaways:

• According to a recent poll by the All-Russian Center for Public Opinion Studies, the proportion of Russians who view the United States as "mainly bad" has more than doubled, from 23 percent to 49 percent.
• The Russian media is employing hoary Cold War phrases, such as "American aggressors," to describe NATO's actions.
• Russia's President Boris Yeltsin has said that Russia would have to intervene militarily if NATO sent ground troops into Yugoslavia, reflecting the country's deep humiliation at the breakup of the Soviet Union.
• Russia's hostile rhetoric reflects the country's difficult transition from communism to capitalism, which has forced it to rely on the International Monetary Fund to restructure its debt.
• Sergei Markov, director of the Institute of Political Studies in Moscow, warns that "what many in the West don't understand is that Russia sees itself as the future victim of this policy."
• Senior Russian leaders, including Moscow Mayor Yuri Luzhkov and regional governor Alexander Lebed, are calling for Russia to provide Yugoslavia with weaponry.
• The West's current policy towards Russia is ignoring its suspicions, which can lead to reckless actions from formerly weak regimes.
• History is full of examples of regimes acting recklessly when they are weak, such as Russia's 6,600 warheads.

Statistics:

• 23 percent of Russians viewed the United States as "mainly bad" before NATO's military action in Yugoslavia.
• 49 percent of Russians now view the United States as "mainly bad" according to a recent poll.
• 6,600 warheads remain in Russia's arsenal.

Sources:

• All-Russian Center for Public Opinion Studies
• Institute of Political Studies in Moscow
• Russian media
• Statements from Russian leaders, including President Boris Yeltsin, Moscow Mayor Yuri Luzhkov, and regional governor Alexander Lebed