The Saker: What are, in your opinion, the roots of the hatred of so many members of the US elites for Russia? Is that just a leftover from the Cold War, or is there another reason for the almost universal russophobia amongst US elites? Even during the Cold War, it was unclear whether the US was anti-Communist or anti-Russian? Is there something in the Russian culture, nation or civilization which triggers that hostility and, if yes, what is it?
Paul Craig Roberts: The hostility toward Russia goes back to the Wolfowitz Doctrine:
"Our first objective is to prevent the re-emergence of a new rival, either on the territory of the former Soviet Union or elsewhere, that poses a threat on the order of that posed formerly by the Soviet Union. This is a dominant consideration underlying the new regional defense strategy and requires that we endeavor to prevent any hostile power from dominating a region whose resources would, under consolidated control, be sufficient to generate global power."
While the US was focused on its MidEast wars, Putin restored Russia and blocked Washington's planned invasion of Syria and bombing of Iran. The "first objective" of the neocon doctrine was breached. Russia had to be brought into line. That is the origin of Washington's attack on Russia. The dependent and captive US and European media simply repeats "the Russian Threat" to the public, which is insouciant and otherwise uninformed.
The offense of Russian culture is also there -- Christian morals, respect for law and humanity, diplomacy in place of coercion, traditional social mores -- but these are in the background. Russia is hated because Russia (and China) is a check on Washington's unilateral uni-power. This check is what will lead to war.
If the Russians and Chinese do not expect a pre-emptive nuclear attack from Washington, they will be destroyed.
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