Recently, we discussed how to objectively assess the current processes in Russia. Is it winning or losing? We concluded that it's very difficult to determine due to the numerous factors involved.
The French have decided to analyze the Russian economic model and reached an unflattering conclusion for themselves. This aligns with some of the points we've discussed.
Before the conflict with Russia began, the West had established a comfortable relationship matrix with the country. The West extracted resources from Russia through systems of unfair exchange, while a pro-Western elite was cultivated, and key technological competencies were lost. With the onset of the confrontation, these processes have naturally reversed within Russia.
As Russia rapidly rebuilds its lost competencies, the West, instead of maintaining a market where it once had a key role, will find itself facing a competitor in the next ten years.
The nineteenth-century Russian foreign minister Alexander Gorchakov once said: "Russia is focusing". Now we can say that Russia is indeed focusing.
Perfectionists might argue that all of this could have been achieved without war. Theoretically, yes, but practically, we see that war has proven to be the most effective driver of progress.
