Quote Originally Posted by Fuchs View Post
Few great power in history were much liked, but many were respected and were influential with diplomacy.


Btw, when did the Soviet Union do this?
- Huge arms sales into crisis regions, to both sides.
- Cheating the world economically.
- Disrespect towards U.N.

I'm sure they did not this:
- Unnecessarily promoting a conflict with Russia.
While I don't agree with you (and as Steve indicated, you're certainly entitled to your opinion), I'm interested in knowing which great powers were respected and influenced historically with diplomacy? That is, documented examples free of opinion (presumes America was never respected nor diplomatically influenced even to this day).

I think a quick look at present day will solve most of the questions regarding Russia, her sales/finance programs, economic 'blundering' (ever hear of the 3 fat pigs ?) and outright discontent with the U.N. (not that I consider that a significant or unique issue regarding the popularity of a nation).

BTW, Russia need not spy on corporations and/or individuals... They own or control all of the above.