Will vainglory alone lead to nuclear war?

Submitted by Dave (United States), May 7, 2022 at 07:08

Putin is a malignant narcissist with delusions of grandeur. He regrets the demise of the Soviet Union and wants to recapture its glory, but now that Communism has lost its luster, the only shiny things left are Russia's geographical reach and military might. Hence, the emphasis on nationalism, imperialism in places like Syria, Ukraine and the former Soviet states, and an overall transition to a repressive, fascist state. Putin is a tin horn dictator, not an inspiring leader.
Without any meaningful ideological motivator, without a religious-like faith in Communism to lead true believers to die for the cause, his imperial project is inadequately fueled. Hence, the poor morale of Russian troops in Ukraine, and the widespread undercurrent of dissent and loathing among the Russian people toward the war and Putin.
Of course, Putin could use his one-man rule to launch a kamikaze-like nuclear attack, but that it would quickly bring about his demise. The sacrifice needed to sustain such a draconian struggle is not there. A lot has changed in the 45 years since Dr. Pipes senior posited his observations on the likelihood of nuclear war to make that event less probable.
We should continue undeterred by fear to support Ukraine, the stronger and more resolute the better. Putin is a bully and we should stand up to him.

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