Vladimir Frolov & Russia Profile

Sorry that I have been so bad about posting these.  Here are Frolov’s questions for the week:

Does Medvedev deserve a Nobel Peace Prize for changing the tone and direction of international politics? Are his foreign policy accomplishments on a par with Obama’s? Is he perceived as a transformational world leader outside Russia? Is he a visionary in international affairs, with his proposals for a new security architecture in Europe and a new global financial architecture? Has he managed to bring new tone and style to Russia’s diplomacy and Russia’s approach to global issues, like WMD proliferation, global warming and financial stability? How does he fare internationally, compared to Obama?

I do not want to go into great detail, but most everybody laughed at Frolov.  Read it!

Vladimir Frolov, Nobel, & Medvedev

When I read Vladimir Frolov’s latest to my sister, her first response was, “Is this satiracle?”  Strangely enough, I do not think that it is.  Vladimir Frolov seems entirely sincere here.

Why does Medvedev deserve the Nobel?  According to Frolov,

(1) “…Medvedev is responsible for changing the tone and direction of international politics to craft a better world.”

(2) “…Medvedev inherited a foreign policy plate that was driving his country into isolationism and debilitating self-pity.”

(3) “In fits and starts in less than two years, he has managed to transform Russia’s international role from that of an estranged spoiler to that of a constructive problem-solver with a stake in a functional world order. Medvedev has gradually steered Russia away from the unilateralist initiatives taken by his predecessor.”

(4) “[He] has worked to make international institutions — from the United Nations to the nascent Group of 20 — stronger and more efficient.  His more pragmatic position on Iran is likely to make global efforts to stop Tehran’s secretive nuclear program more effective.”

(5) “Medvedev commanded a successful war that was forced upon him. Like Obama in Afghanistan, he did not go wobbly in Georgia and proved his resolve to defend Russia’s interests and citizens. Medvedev’s toughest foreign policy decision has been to unilaterally recognize Abkhazia and South Ossetia.”

(6) “Medvedev’s perseverance on this issue casts him as a world leader with a strong set of values. He does not crave popularity, just respect for his country.”

Wow… that’s definitely more impressive than Obama!