Small Bets Yield Caution

When analyzing the differences in geopolitical strategies, American ambition should not be projected onto Russian actions. Unlike the U.S. approach, which aims to fundamentally reshape regions through large-scale military interventions, Russia adopts a more conservative strategy by making small, calculated bets with limited resources and risks. This cautious approach allows Russia to seize opportunities without committing to significant risk. Additionally, unlike Iran, which effectively utilizes proxies for plausible deniability, Russia prefers to maintain direct control over its proxy forces, as exemplified by their management of organizations like Wagner.