Opinion by Nicholas Eberstadt: How Russia’s grim demographics could thwart Putin’s global ambitions
” — international patent applications divided by working-age population with higher education — was far below South Africa’s.
Russia’s record of creating value out of its human resources is miserable. It has the world’s ninth-largest population, but its exports of commercial services — marketed knowledge and skills, such as banking or insurance — ranked 26th in 2019, behind both Thailand and Turkey. Since the invasion of Ukraine, some of Russia’s best talent has been voting with its feet, heading abroad any way it can.
National wealth is indispensable to state power and human well-being, but the Russian system produces remarkably little private wealth. According to Credit Suisse, total private wealth in Russia in 2020 amounted toMeanwhile, much of the rest of the world beyond Russia’s borders is speeding ahead with improvements in health, education, innovation and wealth.
Putin’s recognition of this dismal reality may have stoked his appetite for ever-greater risk-taking in Georgia, Crimea and now Ukraine. His nuclear saber-rattling is the tactic of a leader playing a weakening hand. An open and liberal Russia could still prosper, but it cannot become a normal country under the rule of a petro-kleptocracy.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Opinion | Russia Can’t Depend on India EitherFrom WSJopinion: New Delhi may be frustratingly tolerant of Putin, but it isn’t likely to help him substantively, writes dhume
Read more »
Ulysses S. Grant’s message for Putin and Russia | OpinionThere are millions more victims of the war in other countries who will starve to death because of the disruption of Ukraine’s wheat supply.
Read more »
Ulysses S. Grant’s message for Putin and Russia | OpinionThere are millions more victims of the war in other countries who will starve to death because of the disruption of Ukraine’s wheat supply.
Read more »
West Ramps Up Ukraine Weapons Aid as Expectations About War’s Outcome ShiftA war that started with Western efforts at damage control has become one that offers a strategic opportunity for the West to constrain Russia’s expansionist ambitions.
Read more »
With Victory Day Looming, The West Has 10 Days To Target PutinUnless Russia breaks away from their misguided leader, a desperate and reckless Vladimir Putin will use Victory Day to rattle his last remaining sabers.
Read more »
Pentagon spokesman chokes up condemning Russian 'depravity' in UkrainePentagon spokesman John Kirby got emotional while condemning Russia's 'depravity' in Ukraine and Russian President Vladimir Putin's leadership.
Read more »