According to media expert Raul Rebane, President Vladimir Putin of Russia has taught us the difference between what is and isn’t important – better than any advisor. Illusions were shattered, and now we know our friends.
Raul Rebane: four lessons taught to Estonia by Putin
29th April 2014, 15:44
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In many a vital matter, these past couple of months have matured us more than several years put together. With a nod towards a party founded by Jaroslav Hašek 103 long years ago, «the time of peaceful development within framework of legality» is, for a while, over. For that, we are indebted to the very person of Russia’s president Vladimir Putin and his entourage. Also, to his entourage in Estonia.
So, let’s take a closer look at the merits.
Firstly, illusions were shattered. After Crimea and Ukraine, even the simpletons realised this was no improvised action, rather a systemic strategy for «collecting the Russian lands». In the minds of lots of people to the East of us, we also belong to the lands to be collected. And there’s the rub – they want it, we do not.
When listening to Putin’s «television army», as his propagandists headed by Dmitry Kisselyov are known to be called, we’ll learn stuff about us and our friends we had no idea about.
Turns out, most people living to the West of Russia are fascists, neo-Nazis, Nazis etc. Us included, of course. We refuse to be, and again we have a conflict. At the moment, it is difficult to picture a solution to this. They will apologise, or we will own up to being fascists? Neither is likely.
More than ever, a statement by the legendary diplomat George Kennan is proving true: next to an aggressive empire, one can only be in conflict, a vassal, or swallowed up. Thus, currently we are having quite a good time yet, actually. Prudent, however, to brace for a long-term Very Cold War.
Secondly, national defence grew in importance. As recently as in January, we had parties, interest groups and individuals who would have been ready to downsize the defence budget to the Latvian and Lithuanian levels, seeing there was no danger. Russia may be a big bear, but it’s a tame one. What a majestic misconception; with most, thankfully, it was mere folly, no intentional harm meant.
The topic went into reverse now: what are we willing to give up, in order to fortify national defence. The palette of dangers has changed a lot, as clearly proven by Russia’s «Crimean manoeuvres»; for our defence activities, this will mean new types of methods, technologies, and people employed. Basically, every power structure starting with the Defence Forces and ending with Kapo [Internal Security Service – edit], needs a programme of accelerated development. That costs money.
Thirdly, we got to know who our real friends are. There was clarity about them before, but crisis makes friends stick out. At the moment, being in NATO and the EU is solid security gold – without them, we’d feel feeble indeed. America’s strong statements over these past weeks have made them a target of an unbelievably aggressive attack by Russian propaganda, with no reconciliation in sight. Surely, Putin must have been surprised by the clear stand taken by Germany (Angela Merkel), and the strong position of a lot of other nations.
At the moment, Finland is having a tough decision-making time. In his interview, Putin profusely praised Finland. Can’t recall any other country that he praised, at all... A «Russian Night» aired over Finnish TV on April 15th for several hours was a thing unbelievable: as if nothing ever happened, they discussed developing economic ties with Russia, visa freedom, options to sell log cabins, with nothing said of the values of a democracy. «Men from another planet», the programme ought to have been called. At the same time, Finnish top politicians led by the President have disapproved of behaviour of Russia.
Regarding this, Estonia has just one question: if we get in trouble, will Finland help us? That, of course, is for Finland to decide; still, we might confirm our historical friendship by a clear statement: should Finland get in trouble, we would help. That’s a citizen’s opinion only, of course, but comes from the heart.
Fourthly, Putin made elections real easy. From here onwards, for quite a long while, at European Parliament and Riigikogu elections for sure, lion’s share of votes will be decided by two questions only.
1. Do you support annexation of Crimea (for some «reunification» or «liberation») by Russia?
2. Do you want Edgar Savisaar to be the next prime minister?
On the answers hang the greatest disagreements and the main splits of the votes. Whoever will grant the strongest guarantee that these dangers will not be repeated or materialised, will probably pocket most of the votes. Naturally, it will be attempted before elections to talk on other issues as well, but probably not too successfully. We’re the man with a pain in the knee, right now, kicked in the groin. One forgets the bad knee, I assure you.
There just might be another additional plus to this, at least I hope so. With dark clouds on the horizon, most parties should be disciplined to deal with essential topics; and the media should be disciplined to treat the entire democratic process with sufficient respect: who knows, maybe we’re in for some decent elections.
In a moment, the new European Parliament will be elected, and here indeed a paradox needs to be pointed out. Those who do not show up to vote will have the strongest voices i.e. they will decide the end result! Let the reader understand.
By all of the above, we ought to be convinced: Putin has done us a great service; better than anyone else, he has taught us the difference between what’s important and what is not. I do hope of course that no-one will take this too literally, so there will be no portrait-in-stone on a Toompea wall. Still let’s be grateful, deep in our hearts. The man led us to look in the mirror.