The story of NATO vs Russia is somewhat analogous to free market dynamics.

In a competitive market context, customers choose a service that best serves their needs.

Therefore a company that places its vanity ahead of its customers needs will experience attrition.

And a company that serves the needs of its customers will see growth.

One cannot argue with reality.

Regardless of all of Putin’s tantrums, Russia’s autocratic brand continues to lose market share to the West’s democratic brand.