How can we understand Russian behaviour? Especially the behaviour of the Russian State. One way to look at it, is through cultural 'memes'. I must stress that not all people 'step into' these memes. Many will adopt a few. Some none. [..] 1/

Let me offer you some of the cultural memes that I find helpful in understanding Russian behaviour: It's not complete. I invite you to add your insights in the comments. 1. there are two top rules: 1a. we Russians are basically good people, always; 1b. Russia rules, always; 2/

2. wars are not our initiative, we have no choice; 3a. being in power is the highest moral category; 3/

3b. 'morality' is not our guiding principle, it is what you rub losers in the face. That's what the UN Security Council is for, to declare every other country a powerless loser in the face of an untouchable Russia. 4/

3c. 'Impunity' belongs to this same complex. 'Impunity' is a form of exhibtionism: to commit ghastly crimes in the face of the world (not hiding them) in order to rejoice in impunity. 5/

4. we envy your good things, but a. we deserve them equally, b. you stole them or c. both; If we can't get it, we copy it, but we lack a sense of the grotesque, to the Russian mind everything is 'grandeur'. 5. it is the natural course of the universe that Russia rules; 6/

6. If Russia seems to commit even gross injustices, that will need explanation, justification, but always starting from the top rule: we are basically good, always. It's a matter of connecting the dots with whatever narrative, always starting with the top rule. 7/

7. Morality is displaced by loyalty. Russians should not let themselves be led by moral considerations. You can have private ideas about morality, but you must keep quiet about them. Only loyalty and power play a significant role in Russian daily life. Protest = disloyalty. 8/

8. If - as the other party - you accept these rules, you'll be OK, temporarily, until one day you're not. The same goes if you don't accept these rules. Additions? 9/end.