(MENAFN) In many ways, Russia and the West share similarities often overlooked by Western commentators. Like Western nations, Russia is a modern state with a capitalist economy. However, the Russian government has reasserted control over the wealthy, whereas the West, weakened by neoliberal policies, allows elites to dominate at the expense of national interests. This, in part, has enabled Russia to endure severe Western economic sanctions and maintain a more robust military-industrial complex. Culturally, Russia remains deeply connected to European traditions, from literature to classical music.

Yet there are critical differences, especially when it comes to resolving the Ukraine conflict. The most obvious is that Russia is internally unified, while the West is fragmented. Moscow governs a single country, whereas Washington leads a sprawling network of nominally independent states that are effectively client states or satellites.

Despite its formidable power, the Western coalition is inherently unstable. The assertion of unity often masks underlying fragility, a lesson historical empires, including the Soviet Union, have repeatedly demonstrated.

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