The thing that ties these themes together is the “disconnect” between action and consequence, between delusion and reality, between the present dilemmas and much-studied historical parallels.

Russia is building new subs, showing a renewed interest in commanding the circumstances of her fate belied by the cultural suicide proceeding among the once-dominant ethnic Russians. Abortion and “sex-without-consequence” among young people preoccupied with living the fantasy life they see depicted in Western media combine with chronic massive alcohol abuse – in other words, static or negative birth rates combine with increasing morbidity – resulting in a distinctly shrinking population. Meanwhile, the populations of the restive former states of the CCCP are expanding rapidly.

Any chart graphing population growth against infrastructure development and resources for the region, when projected out only a generation or two, will project Russia massively outnumbered, and probably outgunned by its former subjects.

My bitty little reading of history makes me think of how the Black Death of the 13th century is supposed to have objectively improved life for the survivors of the plague.

Following the deaths (in places) of up to two-thirds of the former inhabitants, survivors were able to take possession of cottages, homes, estates, entire villages, that had been depopulated. Coins became a much greater medium of exchange for daily transactions. Fancy clothing previously the mark of aristocracy came within the reach of middle class merchants. Common laborers found themselves able to command substantially improved wages and concessions, because of their relative scarcity.

Russia doesn’t seem to be enjoying any such benefits; the loss of population is much too gradual.

However, here in the U.S., o seems to have a plan to make dramatic reductions in excess population. This will allow a subsequent redistribution of wealth without historical precedent.

What a guy.