Frank's Musings

Vladimir Putin has put himself on a one-way route to nihilism. In his mind, his place in history will be as the relentless restorer of Russia’s greatness (including all the Baltic and trans Caucasian lands), or as the contemptible and violent pursuant of an outdated standard of imperial glory.  

Donald Trump empathetically recognized a kindred spirit in Putin. Neither of them can truly achieve a greater historic pinnacle without fulfilling their dreams of unique significance. Trump’s goal is to demonstrate that a world that conforms to the vagaries of his unsteady singular vision is better than a world subject to the perpetually conflicting desires of a democracy.

Inevitably, the two megalomaniacs will clash. Until then, they can postpone a final reckoning by expressing temporary mutual disappointment.