I found an interesting article on CNN’s website concerning Russia and it’s involvement with  the conflict between North Korea and the modern world. The basic premise of the article (here is the link http://globalpublicsquare.blogs.cnn.com/2013/03/07/to-tackle-north-korea-focus-on-russia-and-china/?iref=allsearch ) is that neighboring countries should take an interest in preventing North Korea from becoming a nuclear power. However, the article states that the largest concern (or necessary point of change) is the enabling behavior of Russia and China. Essentially, the author believes that we need a little team work.

This seems like a daunting task. We have spent very little time in class discussing Russia in the context of current political events, but if we step back and examine the social culture of the country in the context of the 20th century, Russia has been too hard headed to be a team player. Russia’s idea of unification and strengthening itself internally has been something that has kept it cut off from the rest of the world in many ways. Even the revolutionary art stemmed from the concept that Russia has already created enough art on it’s own and that there is no need for foreign influence.

I would be curious to further observe points in history when Russia opted out of “joining others.” Is this one of Russia’s biggest flaws?