Day 6, Phase 3
Unbounded Irrationality
Those in the U.S. intelligence community who thought Russia would steamroll Ukraine into submission should resign. Yesterday.
Why do US taxpayers spend tens of billions of dollars each year to fund Beltway think tanks and intelligence agencies which are incapable of accurately assessing Russia’s military prowess and Ukraine’s ability to absorb additional economic and military assistance?
Putin is and remains an irrational actor who is less well-grounded in reality than most world leaders. “Bounded rationality” is irrelevant for explaining the Russian leader’s decisions or actions1.
Yesterday Leonid explained why for over an hour.
I’ve decided — for now (because I’m nice) — not to savage the State Department’s Bureau for Intelligence and Research, which also has engaged in magical thinking.
In other news, Peter Coy at The New York Times assembled this collection of words.
Actually, no. Zelensky for months refused to act on repeated warnings that Vova had decided to decapitate Kyiv2. Ukrainians rallied Zelensky after Russia’s all-out invasion began.
Coy’s column reminded me of what Olga Rudenko opined on February 21, 2022.
Olga knows best. The former deputy editor of the award-winning Kyiv Post3 has been named a New Generation Leader.
U.S. and allied non-permissive environment specialists have already landed in Kyiv and are scheming with indigenous commandos at Tootsie Club to liberate possible future oppressed residents of the capital. Stay Out of Doorways. Tactical Athletics at Tootsies (January 12, 2022)
Appeal to Pity. The Worst Blimp Crash Ever. (November 11, 2021)