How Russia's Geography is its Own Worst Enemy

For Putin, Russia’s geography is also a major problem, one he’s not about to give up on any time soon. But where exactly does that problem come from? And what does its long history tell us about the Russia of today? Check out today's epic new video to find out!

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[dreadpenguinlord]

"The problem with our nation is that it is too vast."
"Then we must expand."

[royalstory]

Russia's vast size and inhospitable climate have made it difficult to govern and develop consistently throughout its history. The country spans 11 time zones and has a diverse array of ethnic groups and languages, making it difficult to maintain unity and central control. Additionally, harsh winters and poorly developed transportation infrastructure have historically hindered economic development and made it challenging to supply and connect remote regions. These geographical challenges have contributed to Russia's ongoing struggle to fully realize its potential as a world power.

[marekklucka]

Former Czech and Czechoslovakia president said, that the biggest issue of Russia is, that they don't know where their borders begin and where they end.
This again confirms this

[GingerSpy]

'The enemies are coming from the east'
Russia: The east will be included in Russia's sphere of influence.
'The enemies are coming from the west'
Russia: The west will be included in Russia's sphere of influence.
'The enemies are coming from above'
Russia: The space will be included in Russia's sphere of influence.

[infinitsai]

One of the great history teachers of mine said that the buffer zone mentality is what eventually led to russia's downfall: moscow needed a buffer zone so they took a big plain of land, but that buffer zone started developing it suddenly needs its own buffer zone, thus the vicious cycle of russia's expension continues until they make themselves enemy no1 for the entire europe and backfires

[lajoyalobos]

Maybe instead of trying to collect timezones they should manage the 11 they already have.

[SuperFinGuy]

This shows that regimes have changed but the same people are behind the scenes. Here's a great, unheard of tactic for Russia: Make friends instead of enemies.

[advancetotabletop]

There’s an entire channel about how a country’s geography influences its cultural mentality. Thanks for the video!

[dissidentart]

I wonder how Switzerland has managed to not be invaded despite being in a bad spot and not having a “buffer zone”, maybe they just don’t attack their neighbors.

[bigcrowfly]

More reason to split Russia into dozens of independent countries.

[roblovestar]

This video is good, but ignore two key points: 
1. NATO is not an invasion force; it is a defense organization. As NATO perceived Russia as less of a threat in the 90's and early 2000's, they reduced military spending, calling it a 'peace dividend'. Had Russia's oligarchs chosen to join the civilized world, it would have been good times. But Putin had other plans.
2. With Russia having the largest nuclear deterrent in the world, no one in their right mind would consider attacking Russia, regardless of geography.

[malav_patel]

I think it is about time Infographic makes a video on the person who's voice is narrating all the video! 😃

[duelist]

Would like to see a video on Russia’s ability to produce heavy equipment.

[geraldwalker]

Great videos, thx, very informative videos

[isaacriendeau]

How does this guy come out with amazing videos so quick?!?! 😮😮😮

[uncleanunicorn]

Self-fulfilling prophecy, his actions have led to Sweden and Finland wanting to join NATO as well.

[DillyDallyLove]

That was crazy info. Learned and mind is expanded!

[StanGraham]

Thanks for another video that helps explain the present in light of the past: context is still king!

[toddbrackett]

The expansion of the Russian empire to the Arctic, Urals, Caspian, Caucasus and Black Sea made sense to defend the Russian heartland from central Asian invaders. I do not understand why Russia expanded as far as North America as this makes lines of communication vast and stretches defense resources with multiple routes of invitation in the east. I am actually quite impressed that Russia has been able to maintain control of the east through the last 3 centuries and the turmoil during this period.

[Boikivs]

4:40 Why you didn't tell about The Molotov–Ribbentrop Pact?