Introduction

The discussion around the historical and contemporary policies of Russia, compared to other European nations such as England, France, Germany, and Italy, often revolves around the extent of their respective violent histories and current actions. It is important to examine these aspects comprehensively to understand the differences and the implications for global stability and peace.

Historical Legacy: Blood on Their Hands

The concept of "blood on their hands" is often used to judge a nation's history of violence and oppression. While it is true that Russia has a long history of colonialism, massacre, and warfare, it is important to compare this with the actions of other European nations.

Colonial Empires: England, France, Germany, and Italy did indeed have colonial empires, some larger and more enduring, such as the UK and France, and others smaller and shorter-lived, like Italy and Germany. These empires were marked by conquest, ethnic cleansing, and forced conversions. However, it is also noteworthy that the Russian Federation, which inherited Russian colonial territories, continues this legacy through modern-day actions.

Excessive Boasting: Unlike their European counterparts, Russian politicians often boast about their colonial past and continue to expand their influence. This stands in stark contrast to the current attitudes of the aforementioned European nations, which are more focused on democratic and diplomatic solutions.

Current Policies and Threats

The current policies of Russia and Western Europe demonstrate significant divergences in terms of their approaches to international relations. Russia seeks to maintain or expand its influence through imperialistic motives, while Western Europe has largely moved towards democratic and diplomatic methods.

Democracy and Diplomacy: European nations, particularly those in the West, have largely prioritized peace, diplomacy, and democratic values. This is evident in their refusal to engage in aggressive policies unless absolutely necessary. Recent decades have shown a shift towards a more peaceful approach, especially under the pressure of public opinion.

Russian Intentions: In contrast, Russian policies are marked by a desire to expand their influence. Russian President Vladimir Putin has made it clear that either nations are colonies or colonizers, and Russia is determined to be the latter. This imperialist approach poses a significant threat to global peace and stability.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while each nation has a history of violence, the current actions of Russia are far more aggressive and expansionist compared to the current policies of Western Europe. This makes the discourse about who is the "good guy" more complex, as the nuanced differences in their current policies can have far-reaching implications for international relations and global peace.

It is crucial for nations to reflect on their historical actions while also focusing on present and future policies. The path towards peace and stability requires a careful and balanced approach that respects the democratic values and the peaceful intentions of countries like the UK, France, Germany, and Italy, as opposed to the imperialistic ambitions of Russia.