It's just so symptomatic of the whole Putin kleptocracy regime. Preferring loyalty to competence, political points and international prestige to scientific results. You see the same pattern in many places, the army, industry etc.

[–] [email protected] 11 points 2 years ago (1 children)

@severien The time to stop psychopaths like Putin is before they get into power. This wisdom has been discarded.

Psychopaths start out as useful tools. They are willing to get their hands dirty, in ways that their fastidious masters won't. But almost inevitably, the users end up the ones being used, once the psychopath consolidates power.

Humanity's greatest threat is over-confidence. We believe we understand our situation, and can control the outcome. And we seem to never learn.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 2 years ago* (last edited 2 years ago)

I don't think they really had the knowledge or ability to stop Putin before he started.

Russia didn't exactly start off from an even playing field.

He carved himself out a powerful sphere of influence in a power vacuum, with access to the tools and personnel of a tyrannical super power.

It's not like he was appearing on I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here in order to boost his political career.

[–] dyathinkhesaurus 10 points 2 years ago (1 children)

"He remains a master strategist". /s

[–] [email protected] 4 points 2 years ago

Unless his enemy is mud, then he's screwed.

[–] betterdeadthanreddit 21 points 2 years ago (2 children)

Russian space programs once again make a significant ground-breaking impact in their field. From their early days revolutionizing the hot dog industry (pour one out for Laika), their commitment to safety and mission accomplishment is without equal.

[–] [email protected] 11 points 2 years ago* (last edited 2 years ago)

From their early days revolutionizing the hot dog industry (pour one out for Laika)

Ok fine, I'll upvote you, but I'm gonna frown real hard the whole time.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 2 years ago

ground-breaking

indeed