that's a useful filter. but i think you should add another layer.
there are costs and benefits (or costs and higher costs or benefits and greater benefits) in every choice by every actor on the stage. so you will not be able to exclude anyone by the benefits model.
putin's overarching goal is the expansion of his power via the goal of a greater russia. the us' underlying goal is the increase of wealth via the expansion of the market for us products.
they each have costs as well as benefits. neither is universally benign. as you know, i don't believe in the benevolence of unrestrained markets. they have costs as well as benefits. but returning to the great game with russia is a step further backwards. what a waste of everyone's time and energy to start a new arm's race. but we are doomed to that fate unless putin backs down.
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