Mikhail Gorbachev on Georgia/South Ossetia

I read this in the New York Times as part of my daily readings and was on the fence on whether I not I should link and comment to it.

I agreed with much of what is said, to an extent, but I felt uncomfortable promoting the editorial opinion of a former leader (sorta) of a nation involved in the conflict.

But now that I re-read it after seeing it linked to at Naked Capitalism with a surprisingly complimentary recommendation, I feel this article does have value;  about as much value as the negative popular opinion shown in Poland and The Czech Republic in regards to the planned American missile defense installations to be erected on their soil that I’ve posted about previously.  It can be very difficult for those of us that are clearly situated on the opposite side of the faded line painted during the Cold War to imagine what those on the other side see, and how they interpret our actions (I recall a lesson given by Robert McNamara from the infinitely rewatchable Fog of War about knowing your enemy).

What makes Gorbachev’s thoughts more poignant to me is that I attribute the end to the Cold War primarily on Mikhail’s peacenik leanings (as hard as it can be to attribute such a quality to a raving macroprudential oversightist).  As much as Reagan and Bush Sr. played a part in the destruction of the Red Menace, I believe Gorbachev’s absolute willingness to compromise and repeatedly admit defeat at the expense of national pride had the greatest single impact in the end of the Cold War.  I honestly believe that Gorbachev may be the most influential figure of the 20th century.  I cannot imagine any other leader, Soviet or otherwise, capitulating so eagerly.  I’m always shocked that he is not seen as embarassment of his nation, to be honest, but, then again, I never understood the Russian populace.

Gorbachev’s editorial reminds us not to forget how the ‘opposing’ nations might view our actions.  Especially since a much larger chunk of the world might be described as being members of the ‘opposition’, lately.

… and the cow goes moo