What is wrong with the Russian Empire? The British, Spanish and French empires have long since disappeared.. And these historically imperialist states have long resigned themselves to this development, even if at first they resisted it.. Despite the fact that the loss of the empire was sometimes painful, and the exit from the former colonies was even accompanied by bloodshed, the divorce was successful. Even if it took a decade to implement.

Spain has come to terms with Simon Bolivar and the rise of national feelings in Latin America. France experienced a similar anti-colonial movement, notably in Vietnam and Algeria.. Britain realized after World War II that it could no longer afford to maintain an empire. And leaving with dignity was the best option, writes Forbes.

And it turned out that the end of the empire benefited not only the former colonies, but also the colonizers. With a few exceptions, Spain, France and Britain have developed good relations with the countries they once ruled.. The colonies never doubted that London, Paris and Madrid had much to offer in bilateral relations.. However, things like sovereignty and autonomy were even more important.. The colonial rulers were outraged. But having gained independence, over time, most countries began to successfully interact with the former colonialists. The British Commonwealth has 54 members. The International Organization of La Francophonie covers 88 countries. Spain maintains close ties with 20 other Spanish-speaking countries in everything from politics to football..

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In other words, countries value their historical relationship if they can interact with the former colonizer on their own terms.. If they are treated with respect and all consultations are carried out sincerely, then such international associations can benefit both the former colonies and the colonizers.. Of course, there were some mistakes. However, Britain, France and Spain dealt with them.

Why did Russia take a different path in the post-imperialist world? When the USSR collapsed and the countries that broke out of the Soviet empire were free to choose, many of them showed a strong desire to avoid ties with Moscow.. None of the Warsaw Pact countries wanted to maintain a defense alliance with Russia. It was probably hard for the Kremlin to accept such a frank rejection. After all, the USSR provided these countries with weapons and training for many decades.. But apparently he hasn't been able to develop friendships or strong relationships.. East Germany was peacefully absorbed by the FRG. All Warsaw Pact countries joined NATO in the decade between 1999 and 2009.

This pattern goes even beyond the Warsaw Pact. Since Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia, once part of the USSR, also received NATO membership. However, Russia has not lost everything. She built the CSTO defense alliance together with Belarus, Armenia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan.

Why Britain, France and Spain generally succeeded, while Russia totally failed in post-colonial relations? Some supporters of Vladimir Putin argue that the collapse of the USSR was generally provoked by the United States or other sinister intentions.. But most likely the explanation is quite different..

First, imperialism is not only a political structure, but also an approach. France, Britain and Spain have apologized to their former colonies and offered to help. Russia denies allegations against itself. She insists that, for example, the conquest of Poland and other countries was necessary and even welcomed by the local population..

Secondly, the internal experience of an open society and political systems is important. Britain, Spain and France are prosperous democracies with broad freedoms guaranteed. These countries are not afraid of differences of opinion. And they're well tempered when it comes to diversity. Russia, unfortunately, has become less and less tolerant and open under Putin's leadership.. It is not surprising that she does not tolerate criticism from the former colonies..

Thirdly, Russia is absolutely incompetent in measuring soft power.. Russia has many world-class grandmasters and engineers. Why she doesn't offer her equivalent of the Rhodes Scholarship for engineers? Where is her Fulbright program for mathematicians? Russia dominates trade relations with former colonies. US offers trade privileges to Caribbean nations. Where is the Russian program for Eastern Europe and Central Asia similar

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And finally, the problem of leadership.

Harold Wilson wrote " Charles de Gaulle dedicated his presidency and life to completing France's withdrawal from Algeria. These statesmen were well aware that great states are truly "

The war against Ukraine illustrates Russia's post-imperialist failure well.. Russia is not able to come to terms with the death of the empire, is not able to try to build equal relations with the former colonies. She still maintains the imperialist myth that her occupying power was “welcome”. Russia needs de Gaulle. But she has Bonaparte.