politics
March 1, 2026
Why living next to a superpower can never be neutral
What Mexico can teach Russia about responsibility toward its neighbors
TL;DR
- Neighbors of a great power are inevitably dependent on it, influencing their political and economic trajectories.
- The US's 'abnormal' state model, with minimal social responsibility, leads to exploitation of its neighbors.
- Mexico's experience highlights the negative consequences of a great power's indifference and exploitation.
- Russia's tradition of paternalism and responsibility, unlike US indifference, offers a different model for managing its hinterland.
- A tough, transactional policy toward Russia's southern neighbors is misguided and contradicts its political culture.
- Russia should manage its influence by balancing firmness with responsibility and pragmatism with restraint.
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