I had a great discussion with Rolo Slavskiy, writer of Slavland Chronicles about a range of topics most pertinent to my other stack, but we do get into the utility of morality, self-awareness, and character. I believe strongly that these things are necessary for optimal performance both individually and organizationally. We are losing the ability to communicate effectively in the wake of cancel culture and social media. Having a meaningful discussion with someone you have material disagreements with while being able to absorb and consider their perspective is a skill like any other. It must be practiced to be developed. I am fortunate enough that I intrinsically enjoy such conversations. If this isn’t you, I would argue that it is still worth the time and effort to practice this skill.
I don't believe Rolo after review. I'm not saying he's dishonest at all.
He's not a soldier or really a student of history.
He's using other non soldiers as support for his arguments.
So if a diverse group of bloggers and stackers and Telegram posters all say the same thing then it's conclusive - no, it isn't.
The Russia he describes and the Russian military he describes aren't the one we saw in 2d Chechen War, Syria, or historically. Corruption in politics? We're not in a position to talk, and frankly few in history and damn few victors are in a position to preach on this matter.
[>This doesn't mean honest creatures of duty aren't essential, they are<]
Troops miserable and complaining?
True. Always, it is misery and soldiers have a right to complain.
You only have to worry when they're quiet, especially around you...
I haven't been and won't volunteer for Ukraine, nor Syria so I haven't fought Russians.
I do see an economy of force operation which makes sense as there are those in the USA and "NATO" who absolutely want all out war and it makes sense to make Ukraine an economy of force.
I'm not knocking this guy Rolo, I just don't accept his conclusions or methods. To his credit he does admit he's not a soldier.
It is interesting that some at least are disappointed this wasn't over quickly, but that's always true.
It would have been rational all round to defeat the Ukrainians in the spring of 22 - which Russia DID - then negotiate a settlement. That's the pattern of many wars especially where nuclear powers came into conflict or too near, Arab-Israeli wars, USSR interventions in Eastern Europe 1953, 1956, 1968 [the settlement was we got out of the way], the Sino-Soviet Border war of 1969.
Short wars are best. Long wars are not.
Wars entered into under false premises are very bad.
Evenly matched wars* entered into by false or mistaken premises on both sides involving a nuclear power that go on too long are the worst possible combo.
*in no way is Russia vs Ukraine an even match except in the resources Russia is committing as opposed to holding in reserve.
Discussion with Rolo Slavskiy
I don't believe Rolo after review. I'm not saying he's dishonest at all.
He's not a soldier or really a student of history.
He's using other non soldiers as support for his arguments.
So if a diverse group of bloggers and stackers and Telegram posters all say the same thing then it's conclusive - no, it isn't.
The Russia he describes and the Russian military he describes aren't the one we saw in 2d Chechen War, Syria, or historically. Corruption in politics? We're not in a position to talk, and frankly few in history and damn few victors are in a position to preach on this matter.
[>This doesn't mean honest creatures of duty aren't essential, they are<]
Troops miserable and complaining?
True. Always, it is misery and soldiers have a right to complain.
You only have to worry when they're quiet, especially around you...
I haven't been and won't volunteer for Ukraine, nor Syria so I haven't fought Russians.
I do see an economy of force operation which makes sense as there are those in the USA and "NATO" who absolutely want all out war and it makes sense to make Ukraine an economy of force.
I'm not knocking this guy Rolo, I just don't accept his conclusions or methods. To his credit he does admit he's not a soldier.
It is interesting that some at least are disappointed this wasn't over quickly, but that's always true.
It would have been rational all round to defeat the Ukrainians in the spring of 22 - which Russia DID - then negotiate a settlement. That's the pattern of many wars especially where nuclear powers came into conflict or too near, Arab-Israeli wars, USSR interventions in Eastern Europe 1953, 1956, 1968 [the settlement was we got out of the way], the Sino-Soviet Border war of 1969.
Short wars are best. Long wars are not.
Wars entered into under false premises are very bad.
Evenly matched wars* entered into by false or mistaken premises on both sides involving a nuclear power that go on too long are the worst possible combo.
*in no way is Russia vs Ukraine an even match except in the resources Russia is committing as opposed to holding in reserve.
I got that email from Rolo Slavinsky in box.
It's interesting to get another POV on Ukraine, is he inside Russia>? That wasn't clear.
His wrap up on the war is interesting, it makes sense.
I doubt we'll have good info on Ukraine for years.