CHRYSANTHEMUM: How Elitist Can You Get?

Tue,Sep 17,2013

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Putin right to slam US exceptionalism

(Global Times) 08:47, September 17, 2013

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Russian President Vladimir Putin contributed an article to The New York Times onWednesday, calling for a diplomatic means to deal with the Syrian crisis. But at the end ofthis article, Putin criticizes the American idea of exceptionalism, which was stressed by hisAmerican counterpart Barack Obama the day before on a nationally televised address. USmedia assailed Putin for being disrespectful to one of the most significant American values,saying he had crossed the line.

Although the US is filled with many controversies within, it is admirable that the whole ofsociety is able to unite as one in the face of vital problems. This has contributed to the US'becoming the only superpower in the world.

The theory of American exceptionalism can be traced to the 18th century. It is a realisticreflection of the US being proud of its achievements, and also a religious view of the USbeing blessed by God. It is a sign of the idealism that guides the US, and also the foundationfor political governance in the nation.

Some assume that only when the US becomes a "second-class country" can this theoryfade away from its core values. But such an assumption makes no sense from theperspective of international politics.

However, Putin's courage and action in touching Uncle Sam's most sensitive nerve shouldbe applauded. The US has been bossing the world around for years, but there are fewheavyweight critics who can deal Washington a heavy blow. The US, more or less, has been"spoiled" by the rest of the world.

In the Syrian crisis, Moscow has regained its position in its strategic game withWashington, and has put on an outstanding performance. Although Russia's relatively weakeconomic strength makes it seemingly disqualified to confront the US, the wisdom of theKremlin, and Putin, has clearly been underestimated.

Russia does not count on external resources and markets to sustain its economicdevelopment, so there are no bargaining chips that can threaten the country tocompromise in the game with the US. It is confident in becoming hostile to other countriesif its core interests are challenged.

In the Syrian crisis, Russia's role on the global stage has been further shown to be animportant force in maintaining a balance of powers. Moscow is eager to expand its influencearound the world, trying to strike an active or even aggressive pose to deter othercountries from putting their fingers in its pie.

Russia's strategic purposes are beneficial to the vulnerable balance of different powers.Putin's decision to publish an article in an American newspaper speaking directly againstAmerican exceptionalism should be applauded by public opinion around the world.

As a typical Western democracy, the US should be more open-minded to different voices.Irrational and abusive responses are not the embodiment of the US' self-esteem.

（Editor：LiangJun、Yao Chun）