08/04/2022
Been having a little read, history, superpowers! We go back, all 'superpowers' throw their weight around, control, we did it 1700's, 1800's, the French also, the Romans did it way back! And if something didn't go the way 'we' liked it, we/they dealt with it! The Mongols charged through Asia centuries ago, now where are they! Yes, all 'spent powers'.
Five permanent members of the UN Security Council but we'll discount France and The UK (see above).
Right then, Russia! The way it exerts control, if it's threats aren't heeded, is to send in the troops (Chezhnia, Georgia, now Ukraine). These countries are 'independant' but that doesn't stop them.
The USA! The way they exert control, if it's threats aren't heeded, is to place economic sanctions (Cuba, Venezuela, etc.)
Both 'superpowers' manipulate, or try too manipulate, as to who, and in what format, the Governments of those countries who don't 'agree' to their way of thinking. Russia by way of ensuring the opposition 'aren't available' come any election, The USA by 'backing' coupes.
Then, when these actions don't work, as they invariably don't, as I said, they force their influence on those countries. For the USA, easy, only two other countries border them, so they do it economically. Russia can't do this, for example, to impose sanctions on Ukraine wouldn't work as they, in turn, will shut off Russia's oil and gas pipes that run through their country, Russia would be worse off. Also, Venezuala, Cuba, etc. being distant from those that support them find it difficult getting help. Ukraine, with adjacent land borders, can easily turn to others! But, Russia, this doesn't mean you can use force that results in death and hardship to those who have nothing to do with the decision making.
To both The USA, Russia, and, I add, China (Tibet, South China Sea, Taiwan), I say, you have no choice but to live with your neighbours. Russia, there are no more nazi's in Ukraine that we've had communists in The West. Both have strong views but, luckily in a small minority, the majority within their own country see to that. But, even though Ukraine was for year's part of the Soviet Union, it isn't now, so learn to live with your neighbour. It won't be long before you two superpowers are spent powers, recede gracefully and, in the meantime perhaps both of you should be more concerned about China.