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Dr. Gary W. Buffington's avatar

Upon reflection I think we are saying substantially the same thing only using different terminology. For example, is not "mirror imaging" the same or at least similar to "seeing what they wanted to see?" Likewise I agree with you that Narrative Identity Analysis is critical to understanding cultural nuances that while crystal clear to the native population are totally opaque to the outsider. Unfortunately, that type of analysis, so dependent upon the "squishy" sciences, is neither sexy nor is it bright and shiny.

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Dr. Gary W. Buffington's avatar

Hi Paul,

Here is another well reasoned analysis on "Putin the Lucky" by Ambassador Michael McFaul. Reflects my own thesis that Volodya is tactically brilliant but strategically myopic. It should also be noted that Putin's "luck" was facilitated by US and European leaders who saw in Putin what they wanted to see and not the actual reality.

https://www.journalofdemocracy.org/why-vladimir-putins-luck-ran-out/

V/R

Doc B

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