Then it recoiled and chose the IMF over the KGB, material goods over ideological fervour, the new myths of modernity over the old ones of blood-steeped patriotism. It was a momentous event, the consequences of which cannot yet be fully fathomed. Extrapolating Russian history, it would be reasonable to expect a backlash in the form of a counter-revolution. Setbacks aside, it is as safe to assume that the revolution is irreversible. It is irreversible because for the first time, it has generated vested interests not only for a select elite but for everyone.
Prosperity tends to trickle down and, as it does so, it knows no boundaries of class.
The outlines of a second Cold War have emerged. It is to be fought between a prosperous, almighty, vainglorious, narcissistic, self-righteous, contemptuous and increasingly disintegrating USA and a similarly disintegrating China on the economic ascendant. The extent of economic interests common to the two current combatants far exceeds anything achieved in the high moments of detante between the USA and its previous rival, Russia. This Cold War is about dominance of markets and culture - not sheer, projected, military prowess. It is a throwback to earlier days of colonialism and mercantilism, and it is laden with historical memories and sensitivities.