By John Q. Hosedrinker 
French President Emmanuel Macron characterized Russia as a “predator” and a “constant destabilizing force” that seeks to expand its power and redraw borders. He warned against naiveté, emphasizing Russia’s potential threat to Europeans due to its significant investment in military equipment and large mobilized army. Macron stated that Russia “needs to keep eating” for its survival, thereby highlighting the necessity for European vigilance. The President also indicated that the upcoming two weeks will be crucial for determining Ukraine’s security guarantees.
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Macron compares Russia to an ogre that must keep eating to survive, and frankly, it’s a pretty potent analogy. It conjures images of a ravenous creature, constantly needing to consume to maintain its existence. Peter Zeihan’s analysis about low birth rates and the subsequent need for territorial expansion to ensure Russia’s future relevance rings true within this framework. For a country facing demographic challenges, the acquisition of more land, resources, and potentially, people, becomes a matter of survival, not just of ambition.
This, of course, is where the comparison to an ogre gets even more interesting. An ogre, in many stories, is driven by primal instincts. The insatiable hunger becomes the central motivation, overshadowing any considerations of morality or the consequences of its actions. The zero-sum game perspective that Putin and, seemingly, much of the Russian government, adopts perfectly aligns with this idea. Their belief that their progress necessitates the dismantling of others’ achievements fits this narrative perfectly.
The irony, of course, isn’t lost on anyone, including me. Russia is already the largest country in the world by area. Yet, the insatiable hunger persists. This highlights the deeply ingrained cultural and historical factors at play. The history of Russia, going back centuries, is filled with examples of expansionism, authoritarianism, and a relentless pursuit of power. It’s a complex tapestry, woven with threads of national identity, historical grievances, and a profound distrust of the outside world.
However, the critique of Russia shouldn’t ignore historical parallels. France, like many other European powers, has its own checkered past. The criticism of Macron’s statement rings with a hint of hypocrisy. To dismiss it outright, though, because of France’s historical actions would be the intellectual equivalent of Russian whataboutism. It’s crucial to acknowledge past transgressions without letting them invalidate the need to assess the present. Acknowledging past transgressions doesn’t diminish the present threat.
It seems fair to say that Russia’s actions have consistently undermined its own development. Rather than embracing modernity and integration, they’ve often chosen a path of isolation and aggression. This, coupled with the current demographic challenges, fuels this behavior. And it’s a dangerous cycle. The war in Ukraine is only exacerbating these problems, leading to further losses of life and resources, further cementing this need to eat to survive.
The situation is very nuanced. Russia’s actions, like the imprisonment and mistreatment of Ukrainian POWs, the kidnapping of children, and the bombing of hospitals, are not mere tactical choices; they’re evidence of a deeper moral problem. It’s not simply about Putin. It’s a reflection of a cultural tendency towards brutal expansionism that extends far beyond the Kremlin.
Macron is right in recognizing the core motivation. He’s not completely incorrect in acknowledging that there is a cultural component that influences behavior. That’s why Macron’s call for action, for an end to the trade that fuels the ogre, is so important. He is also correct to call out the authoritarian nature of their regime.
Ultimately, the comparison to an ogre serves as a cautionary tale. It highlights the dangers of unchecked ambition, of the insatiable hunger that can consume a nation, and the way this dynamic threatens global stability. It’s a call to action to understand the forces at play and to prevent the ogre from consuming any more.