Russia Recognizes Independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia. Will Cooler Heads Prevail, or is the Confrontational Escalation with the West now Inexorable?

http://iht.com/articles/2008/08/26/europe/27russia.php

On a deeper level: It should be noted that while some argue primarily economic interests at stake here, nonetheless, both sides are arguing primarily "humanitarian" concerns. Have we now irrevocably entered the era of "humanitarian wars"? And, if so, what does this forebode for the future, when all over the globe, there are "humanitarian issues" just waiting to explode? 

Thanks Trevor for your question.

Well I believe that this step of Russia was neither due to economic nor humanitarian reason. I am not so naive to believe that Putin would shed thousands of dollars on war for humanitarian reasons. Also a small region of South Ossetia can't bring any economic benefit to Russia.The reason I see behind this is the old wounded Russian pride... Russians lost not only the super-power status but also lost vast regions which they controlled for decades.... What Russia wants to show all those newly independent countries which were formed after the disintegration of USSR that they need the support and protection of Russia to survive and thrive... and without the help from Russia they can't grow...This is also the reason why Russians don't want NATO interference in many of the break away countries because Russia doesnt want them to get help from any other agency but itself... Russia wants to make them realize that breaking away from USSR was an inherently wrong decision and they now either have to suffer or show allegiance to Russia....

I also don't see Russia directly or indirectly confronting the west European nations. They don't gain anything by doing so. Russia or erstwhile USSR have never shown any noticeable ambition on west european nations... (except for probably spreading socialist governance). I don't foresee any major conflict in near future between Russia and west europe which can't be settled through talks/negotiations...

"Pride" here has lot of negative connotations, like unreasonable and inordinate self-esteem, A sense of one's own worth, and abhorrence of what is beneath or unworthy of one; lofty self-respect; Proud or disdainful behavior or treatment; insolence or arrogance of demeanor; haughty bearing ...

Russia has not yet been able to accept the reality that it has lost the status and power but it doesn't want to let go...

So this is what Russia's pride is...

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http://www.linkedin.com/answers/international/international-law/INT_ILW/305518-23979812?browseIdx=16&sik=1238529999126&goback=.ama