In some ways, the Russian psyche is not that different from the psyche of other powerful nations.

If we belong to a group that can dominate others, it makes us feel good about ourselves.

I appreciate the different psyche of Slovenians, who have had centuries of ducking-and-weaving with various bigger powers to stay relevant. If I had a magic wand, I would take away Trieste from Italy and give it to Slovenia.

My roots are in Slovakia. Part of their national identify is the centuries of oppression from the Hungarians. For example, my Slovak grandfather went to a Hungarian school. But if history were on the other foot, the Slovaks would have taken advantage of being dominant in a similar manner.

It's just a part of human nature that we need to overcome--if we are to attain a higher civilization.