Political analysts continue to comment on Russian President Vladimir Putin’s speech at the 43rd Munich Conference on Security Policy. It should be acknowledged that the same criticism that was expressed by Putin was heard from other conference participants, and this includes Germany’s Green Party. It is quite likely that quite a few agree with it, though the form of this criticism has made many people concerned.

Putin’s speech was perceived negatively in Europe and the United States. The West wants to spread its liberal democratic model over the whole world, and the local elites wonder why certain states oppose the idea of liberal globalization. That is why the Russian position is perceived as destructive, rather than constructive, in Europe and the U.S.

Besides, no one is welcoming Russia into European politics. Everyone is talking about the rise of China and India, and Russia was dismissed back in 1990s. But now Russia is back and knocking on all doors. It can even be said that Russia’s flexing of its "energy muscles" has opened doors to the world political stage.

The West is trying hard to close these doors. And as a result there are skirmishes, tug-of-wars and blame games. It is by no means a return to the Cold War. The issues that the West and Russia argue about have roots in mentality, psychology and old grievances. The West’s behavior toward Moscow is quite arrogant. As the U.S. secretary of defense put it, "we will accept Russia if it plays by our rules, and not otherwise."

On the other hand, I do not know any other political leader except the Russian president who would be asked such hard and insulting questions. Just consider the shouts from the audience: "You are liable for the murder of the journalists!"

There is a lot of provocation thrown at Putin, and he reacts very strongly to it.

As far as the placement of American missile defense systems in Eastern Europe is concerned, it should be understood that these are not offensive weapons. They are exclusively defense systems against missiles that will theoretically fly—and one may wonder, where from?—in Europe’s direction. Many Europeans do not understand Russia’s indignation. If Russia is not going to attack Europe itself, why should it be opposed to setting up a defense system there?

It is natural that Germany and other representatives of Old Europe have similar questions about the need to set these systems up in Poland and the Czech Republic. There is only one answer to that: Americans want to punish Russia for Syria and Iran, as well as strengthen their influence in the region.

As for Poland and the Czech Republic, I think that they long to set up American defense systems because it will make them American allies. They fear Russia and also need American money, which will start flowing as soon as U.S. military bases are set up.

Old Europe is skeptical about the prospects of NATO’s expansion to the Caucasus and Ukraine. But these ideas are very popular in Estonia and Poland. These countries’ elites are still playing the Cold War-against-Russia game. Some want revenge. Others fear Russia on an almost genetic level. That is why they want to sidle up to the U.S. Under the circumstances, Russia feels it is being pushed off the European landscape, which causes a lot of grievances.

By Alexander Rar