Russia is provoked by weakness and deterred by strength
This appears to be a disturbingly common idea in the west. And I would argue it translates a little bit different. It translates into a notion that we are barbarians. Think about it, what comes to mind when you hear “They only respect strength”? Some type of Hollywood-esque brain-dead loudmouth barbarian, who only knows violence, bullies the weak and only backs down against superior might (usually that of the designated protagonist). That is the perception they have.
This appears to be a disturbingly common idea in the west. And I would argue it translates a little bit different. It translates into a notion that we are barbarians. Think about it, what comes to mind when you hear “They only respect strength”? Some type of Hollywood-esque brain-dead loudmouth barbarian, who only knows violence, bullies the weak and only backs down against superior might (usually that of the designated protagonist). That is the perception they have.
And of course it is largely projection.
Yup, and the problem is we are barbarians with nukes.