OK, Henryk. I have read this again. While the Russians may have psychological need to dominate Ukraine (and other nations), this does not make it right.

In some ways, we are not living in times of "conquer or be conquered." In other ways we still are. The USA has mastered the art of economic hegenomy, without having to use their military very much.

If it is right that Russia should not invade Ukraine because a majority of Ukrainians disapprove of that action, then would it not be right for residents of the Donbass to secede from Ukraine and join Russia? This is what effectively happened in Crimea, right?

There are parts of China that would like to separate from China.

Like most national and provincial borders, the borders of Ukraine are artifical constructions. They were made by men, and often these men had little consideration for the people who lived within these boundaries and the future of the region annexed. It was mostly a case of "let's grab as much land as we can."

Perhaps a good example is the USA. States were created in the 1800s. Things have changed. States could be re-organized better. But far too many people regard state boundaries as lines drawn by God. Think of that little triangle in Maryland that has very little connection to the main part. That triangle would be better governed by a neighboring state.

A few years back, Quebec had a referundum on separation. There are parts of Quebec that are dominant English speaking. There are parts that are dominant First Nations. These parts did not want to be part of an independent Quebec. Should they have had the right to stay in Canada?

This is a very complicated question to which I have no answer. I am hoping that a well functioning TDG would dissipate the social forces that foster breakup of a nation or province. But maybe that TDG would be willing to let those regions leave.