Advising leaders in the spheres of national security, politics and business.

Jan 2, 2025

The Cost of Inaction In the Face Of Dictatorships / For decades, the free world has turned a blind eye to Vladimir Putin’s growing aggression. Each act of brutality was met with weak responses or none at all, emboldening his regime and encouraging his coalition of authoritarian allies. What began with the destruction of Chechnya expanded to the invasion of Georgia, the annexation of Crimea, and the war in Ukraine. Putin manipulates European elections, supports Islamist terrorist organizations, and funds efforts to overthrow democratic governments. His actions are not isolated; they are a deliberate campaign against the foundations of democracy itself.

Today, Russia stands in alliance with North Korea, Iran, and China, united in a mission to undermine freedom and defeat the free world globally. This coalition is not just a geopolitical challenge—it is an existential threat. Yet, our failure to enforce redlines in the past has made them meaningless. Every time Putin acted without repercussions, he grew stronger, and the cost of opposing him became steeper.

Garry Kasparov reminds us, “The price of doing nothing is always higher than the price of doing something.” If we fail to stand up to dictators now, the cost of action tomorrow will be unbearable. Each day of delay grants Putin and his allies more time to destabilize democratic nations, fortify their regimes, and expand their influence.

Winston Churchill once said, “Victory at all costs, victory in spite of all terror, victory however long and hard the road may be; for without victory, there is no survival.” This is not just a historical lesson; it is a call to action for our time. The winds of change in Europe and Washington offer hope, but hope alone will not save us. Leadership must recognize the scale of the threat and act decisively.

Churchill also warned, “To each, there comes in their lifetime a special moment when they are figuratively tapped on the shoulder and offered the chance to do a very special thing, unique to their talents. What a tragedy if that moment finds them unprepared or unqualified for that which could have been their finest hour.”

This is a defining moment in history. We must choose to stand up now—against the growing threats posed by China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia—or risk empowering them further, hoping naively that they will someday “play nicely.” Such complacency would be a grave error, one that future generations will bear the cost of and deeply regret.

It is imperative that this hard truth is fully grasped by the new leaders rising to power in Washington, DC, and across Europe. The decisions made today will shape the future of global freedom and security. The stakes could not be higher.

Democracy #Leadership #StandWithUkraine #GlobalSecurity #Russia #China #Iran #Korea #Putin

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Another post from Jason, from yesterday;

Since 2022, hasn’t it been harder to celebrate as Ukraine🇺🇦 suffers??

This New Year’s Eve, like my nearing 40th birthday, will be met alone & at work.

Why mention this?

Could you help & sacrifice, perhaps a cup of coffee monthly, donating the cost to protect Ukraine’s 🇺🇦 heroes??

Ukraine’s soldiers on the front – and I – would be eternally grateful for your sacrifice, for humanity, in the face of evil.

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Another post from yesterday by Jason :

25 Years of Putin: Hubris & Corruption

Today marks 25 years since Boris Yeltsin handed over the reins of Russia to Vladimir Putin on December 31, 1999. Yeltsin, citing his age and a need for “new blood,” chose a successor who could protect his family’s corrupt interests. Putin, a former KGB operative, soon cemented his grip on power through fear, violence, and deception—starting with the 1999 apartment bombings, a tragic event blamed on Chechens but later linked to Putin via the FSB who murdered their own people.

Under his rule, Russia has endured relentless bloodshed. From the Chechen wars to his alliance with oppressive regimes like Iran, North Korea, Venezuela, and Syria, Putin has consistently chosen brutality. The war in Ukraine, which began as a supposed three-day operation and has dragged on for nearly three years, is the latest chapter in his bloody legacy.

Economically, the cracks are undeniable. Russia’s economy, reliant on oil and gas, has been battered by sanctions, global isolation, and mismanagement. Inflation continues to erode everyday Russians’ livelihoods. Militarily, his forces have suffered devastating losses in Ukraine, with an estimated 750,000+ casualties and widespread equipment failures.

But perhaps Putin’s greatest vulnerability is not external, rather it is his hubris. Greek mythology teaches us that hubris is the fatal flaw of rulers who believe they are invincible. Like Icarus flying too close to the sun, Putin’s overreach—be it through corruption, violence, or strategic miscalculations—has set the stage for his downfall.

As Putin approaches his 73rd birthday, his grip on power appears increasingly fragile. Whether through economic collapse, military defeat, or the inevitable march of time, his reign will end. I have spent years working to expose and oppose his regime, and I believe the day of reckoning for his 25-year reign is near.

Let us remember the lessons of history and mythology: no ruler, no matter how powerful, can escape the consequences of their actions. Hubris destroys those who refuse to learn from history.