The neocons assume the Russians can’t match the US for “tactical” nuclear capability and will stay put if, say, a small tactical nuke is used against an ally.
But the Ruskies have also been very clear that they are not going to spend insane amounts of money on an arms race. They’re stance is to go for the big fireworks early on in a potential conflict.
Also, don’t underestimate their arms industry. Their GDP is low, but their PPP GDP is not. They can build a twin engine fourth or fifth gen fighter at a fraction of the cost it takes us. A lot of the research for weapons has already been paid for by the USSR. They’re the second largest arms exporter brining in cash.
Also their weapons philosophy is to favor brutal efficiency. Their ABM over Moscow doesn’t try to hit a bullet with a bullet. It just set off a nuke in the skies over Lithuania.
Finally, weren’t the sanctions supposed to have bankrupt the Russians by now? They have very low debt, huge reserves (in Au, not their adversary’s paper).
Never mind balancing the budget; we can’t even pass a budget. The fed is forced to keep interests rates near zero because otherwise interest payments on a > 100% GDP debt become ruinous.
The neocons assume the Russians can’t match the US for “tactical” nuclear capability and will stay put if, say, a small tactical nuke is used against an ally.
But the Ruskies have also been very clear that they are not going to spend insane amounts of money on an arms race. They’re stance is to go for the big fireworks early on in a potential conflict.
Also, don’t underestimate their arms industry. Their GDP is low, but their PPP GDP is not. They can build a twin engine fourth or fifth gen fighter at a fraction of the cost it takes us. A lot of the research for weapons has already been paid for by the USSR. They’re the second largest arms exporter brining in cash.
Also their weapons philosophy is to favor brutal efficiency. Their ABM over Moscow doesn’t try to hit a bullet with a bullet. It just set off a nuke in the skies over Lithuania.
Finally, weren’t the sanctions supposed to have bankrupt the Russians by now? They have very low debt, huge reserves (in Au, not their adversary’s paper).
Never mind balancing the budget; we can’t even pass a budget. The fed is forced to keep interests rates near zero because otherwise interest payments on a > 100% GDP debt become ruinous.
An arms race is something no one needs