By being underpopulated, being poor in natural resources, and being landlocked in the middle of Siberia. There's a difference between imperialism and realizing that Siberia is not viable as an independent state, much less as a loose collection of independent states. I want a free Russia, not a shattered Russia, the shards of which do not want independence. How the fuck is it imperialism, it's been Russian land for centuries. Siberia is dependent on Moscow due to its low population and lack of national identity. For privacy's sake I won't tell my region but it would be poor as shit if it went free, and would not benefit from independence in any way. What idiocy to think we Siberians are being oppressed more than European Russians. Don't act like we want to be an independent state, because you clearly know nothing about Siberia.
1) We conquered this land centuries ago! It should keep being a part of our country only because of that! Sure... It isn't imperialistic. When Great Britain went to war with those American colonies when those went for independence it wasn't imperialism! After all, those Englishmen in the New World spoke the same language and had no national identity of their own!
2) People living in colonies are being brainwashed into believing that being a colony is good... This is one of the ugliest forms of Imperialism mindset. Or you are one who benefits from the exploitation of Siberia.
3) Saying that residents of Moscow don't live better in ANY POSSIBLE WAY than residents of some Siberian village is ridiculous.
4) No area of Siberia is poor in natural resources. Not a single one. Some may be underdeveloped but it is totally different matter
5) Landlocked and being surrounded by hostile Russia does turn an independence attempt into a suicide. But larger chunks shouldn't have this problem
6) I know about Siberia more than you think. But... sure, there are little to no Siberians who talk about independent Siberian republics because. Because merely saying this is a criminal offense in Russia.
7) What WE are you talking about? Since when YOUR opinion matters anything? If your local lords will decide that it is beneficial for them to go indepent or join China or join Mongolia... Why will they ask you more than Putin does? Whatever decision people that matter will do they won't ask you. Why should they?
I love how you don't even consider indigenous peoples of Siberia when talking about the lack of a distinct Siberian identity.
1. The difference is that this land is almost completely populated by Russians who don't want to be independent. This isn't an Algeria or India situation, this is a Falklands situation.
2. No I honestly believe this. I literally don't see a way Siberia benefits from independence.
3. Sure, because Siberia is underdeveloped. But it isn't being
oppressed more than Moscow which was my point.
4. Yes there are many resources but too little population to really exploit them in most areas. That is where rule from Moscow comes from, to throw enough money at the area to support its population.
5. What do you propose? Even the whole of Siberia would be too sparsely-populated to be more than a third-world country.
6. I talked to people in private both online and IRL, none of them think independence is a good idea. They're ambivalent at most.
7. Well then your opinion doesn't matter either because you aren't even Russian? What purpose does this serve? Not to mention the local elites are pro-Putin and won't go independent.
8. There are even fewer, proportionally than natives in America. I like them and their cultures but basing a national identity upon the native one would result in minority rule in most cases. Tuva and Buryatia are the exceptions, but they seem fine with being part of Russia overall.
You also failed to address my point about East Siberia and trade. There are so many Japanese cars and stuff in Vladivostok.
Perhaps you two should take this to DMs, or drop it totally, as it's not particularly on topic, and keeps getting increasingly personal.
Sure if he agrees to drop it and not bring up Siberian independence in this thread in the future. Sorry, I am very opinionated on this subject almost as much as I am opinionated about being anti-Putin and about socialism.
Perhaps you two should take this to DMs, or drop it totally, as it's not particularly on topic, and keeps getting increasingly personal.
It is closer to the topic than you think, it is an insight on political views of "non-Putin supporter" Russians. Views that are still very Imperialistic.
Besides, I, in a joking form, brought a very real (even if unlikely) possibility for this nightmare to end - the disintegration of the Russian Federation. Max jumped into the action defending the Holy Russia that will never stop existing.
Is it imperialism if the subjects want to be part of the "empire"? Besides, a disintegrated Russia would, I feel, suck for the millions of Russians living in Siberia, I ain't gonna support torpedoing my own and my region's economic wellbeing (such as it is). I do indeed want Russia to never stop existing. If this is imperialism according to your warped definition, so be it.