Most countries have been involved in foolhardy wars. Except for Switzerland, whose soldiers have only one job: to protect the pope—the geekiest military job there is.
Russian history seems to have gone from one self-inflicted military and political disaster to another. A review of their history seems to suggest a self-destructive streak.
Russia appears on the world stage around the end of the 9th century, but having no central power to organize local tribes and kingdoms. This was an open invitation for the Mongols to invade and stay for about 300 bellicose years, bequeathing to the Slavic peoples a warrior mentality and some Mongolian Duck recipes.
It was Ivan the Great who finally chased the Mongols out and became ruler over the vast territory that is today Russia and Ukraine. But after several decades of unrest, famine, civil war and invasions under his rule, Ivan the Great was forced to change his name to simply Ivan.
It would be Ivan the Terrible, the first czar, who would bring Russia international respect. Being terrible worked out pretty well for him as a military leader, although mistresses were leaving after one-night stands. He maintained power through a reign of terror against his ambitious nobility who challenged his authority. Many were killed when their underwear was poisoned. Ivan the Terrible died of a “stroke” in 1584 during a period of unrest, famine, civil war and invasions.
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