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Western leaders and observers persistently repeat, like a mantra, that Russia is "weak". This judgement is based on a flawed comparison between Russia and the Soviet Union - though one that is also popular in Russia itself.

Measured by Soviet standards, Russia has weakened. But, as former United States national security adviser Brent Scowcroft noted, Russia still "has enormous capacities to influence the US security strategy in any country".

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A country with such influence over a military superpower cannot be considered weak. In fact, the issue is not Russia's strength per se, but whether Russia intelligently concentrates and applies it.

The new Russia has transcended its Soviet identity and managed to put down uprisings in...