JUST PHILOSOPHISING - ON RUSSIA'S SEARCH FOR HER PLACE IN A WARY WORLD. PART 1.

'The Leaders of the Russian Federation are trying to find their place in the 21st Century world, with stiff and unremitting competition and rebuttal from the leaders of Western Europe and the United States of America. 

Is it time for President Putin and other leaders of the Russian Federation to rethink their plan of aligning the RF more towards the 'European' and less 'Asian' axis of gravity?'

So, what does it feel like being a Russian? Well, probably that is the wrong qestion, at least, for one who is not a Russian. 

And, then, even for Russians, it could be a difficult question, since, being a Russian, might mean different things for Russians, depending, for example, on the context. 

I mean, if they are a Russian, in whose body the soul of Russia permeates and holds sway, and find themselves in the United States of America. 

Or in the United Kingdom, in Germany, France or Lithuania or Estonia, they might be feeling perplexed. 

They might be feeling guarded, feeling as if they are being watched. 

They might be worried about what their non-Russian friends, acquaintances or work colleagues might be thinking of them. 

They might be thinking that they are being perceived as 'Russian spies', spying for their country. 

They might be feeling threatened, and that they are being perceived 'as a threat', even though they might not be aware of to whom or to what they might be deemed a 'threat.' 

Is it to this thing called 'Western Civilisation'? Or is it to what has come to be know as 'Western Democracy?'' 

Something which is seen by many of its guardians as, it would appear, 'the sacred and god-given' mechanism on which all 'civilised nation' should conduct their government?

Or are Russians seen, perceived as a threat to both 'Western Civilisation and Democracy'?

To be continued!