Quote from toc:
No body was invading Russia but nearly everyone was looting Russia if they had a chance. During 1990s, $3 to 5 Billion was leaving Russian economy each month and landing in the Swiss and other banks in the West. Culprits were Russian Oligarch, Mafia and their foreign cahoots.
In 1990s, oil prices were below $20 a barrel or around and as of today it is said that 'Russian economy is balance at oil price of $70 per barrel'. So one can imagine how much deficit Russians were into at that time. Worst Russia had to take all the financial obligations of the USSR and it ended up writing off $161 Billion in credit to mostly third world nations but also others like Libya and Syria etc.
Unfortunately, Russians have not done anything substantial to diversify their economy from energy and commodities sector. Commodities cycle in bull run can last upto 2018 to 2020 and after that another bear run in commodity prices.
Due to commodity run, as of today Russia does look good financially but in depth not much has changed. Most of the money and power hangs around Moscow and go 50 miles out and you see the sudden drop in standards of living, infrastructure as if those areas are purposefully neglected.
US will show the finger to the debtors not verbally but devaluing its currency and watering out the debt that way. Stupid Chinese have been sending them goods and in return got only 'paper promises' which in devaluation scenario would mean 'a big joke' on the face.
doubtful that the chinese are stupid. using american dollars to build up their infrastructure, industry and armed forces has proven to be a sound strategy. controlling 90% of rare metals and limiting exports is proving to be a sound strategy. china produces engineers. america produces college graduates with sociology degrees who are barely literate with limited writing skills.
even their investment in US bonds have become more valuable as interest rates have dropped. they are quietly lessing their positions in US paper.
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