How to Defeat Putin

Whether by disrupting elections, stealing data, or assassinating rivals, Russia has shown itself hostile to other countries. It is time we fought back. Russia's military and nuclear arsenal have always made this a frightening proposition, but fortunately there is a way to do it without the military. We can fight back economically.

Surprisingly, Russia is a poor country. To say that Russia cannot compete economically with the West is a gross understatement. Russia cannot compete with Germany, all by itself. Russia cannot compete with the state of California. Russia is the poor relation of the BRIC countries, including India and Brazil. Russia is poorer than Canada or Mexico. Russia is so poor that it viewed the arms industry of Bulgaria as a threat. If the United States paid for the entire net worth of Russia twice over, there would be no significant change in our GDP. 

Not only are all these countries arrayed against Russia, but Russia has no allies that can significantly improve its wealth. Probably the richest friend of Russia is Kazakhstan. Their only possible hopes are India and China, but these have never been good friends. Russia's best hope of help from China really depends on how much China wants to antagonize the US. Otherwise, there's little gain for China in the alliance.

Such an economic war would have its expenses. To succeed, the West would have to be willing to lay out reasonable sums to help Central and Eastern Europe wean off Russian gas. This would require new infrastructure. But, as an added bonus, it will support the economies of other gas-producing countries, such as the United States.

But it would work. Putin remains in power, despite the failing Russian economy, by projecting an image of Russian power, Russian ascendancy, Russian pride. If this image falters, if their power abroad crumbles due to lack of money to buy bullets, if there is nothing to show for the misery of the Russian people, Putin's strength will wane. That will be a good thing. Not just for the rest of the world, but also for Russia. 

All it will take is a little will, and a little cash.