Commentary

Naval Follies

The New York Times reported that boisterous Venezuelan
President Hugo Chavez announced Sunday that his nation could
participate in naval exercises with the Russian navy before the
year is out. This is actually just the latest development in a tired
and pathetic battle being waged by the US and Russia- two
countries that cannot afford to waste resources on cold war era
disputes.

According to the Times, Hugo is hopping mad at the US for
reactivating an American naval fleet in the Atlantic waters near
his home turf. The proposed naval escapades with Russia are
supposedly aimed at strengthening ties between the two oil
rich, but democratically poor allies.

It seems that aside from Hugo’s blustery tone, neither nation
wants to antagonize the US too much. The Russians claim that
this operation is not tied to the tumble in relations with the west
over the Georgian conflict. And Hugo made sure to mention that
this exercise is still being planned and is subject to Russian
approval.

But, shortly after the Georgian war, the Russians voiced their
displeasure with NATO and American warships prowling the Black
Sea. The Times also mentioned that right before the conflict
started, Putin said that he wanted to strengthen ties with his
fellow autocrats in Cuba.

The news of Russia and Venezuela teaming up for naval exercises in
Latin American waters is just another small escalation in the war of
influence between the old cold war adversaries. America expands
NATO to Russia’s doorstep and sells advanced missile systems to its
former allies and Russia steps up arms sales to Venezuela and
strengthens ties with Cuba, America’s number one neighborhood
antagonist.

Both Russia and the US face serious economic and social problems
in the years ahead. It’s time for both to start paying more attention
to domestic concerns and adjust to the major shift in global power
that is occurring as China and India assume their rightful place on
the world stage.

© 2008 Splendid Marbles.