West Discovers Russia's Hypocrisy, Forgets Its Own
The Independent, breathlessly clutching its pearls, highlights Russia's declaration that Greenland belongs to Denmark—a statement it frames against Russia's actions in Ukraine. The story aims for a 'gotcha' moment, painting Russia as uniquely hypocritical. (As if any major power isn't.) This narrative conveniently sidesteps the vast historical record of Western nations unilaterally redrawing maps,
from the literal carving up of Africa to the less-than-voluntary 'integration' of territories into empires or spheres of influence. One might recall the U.S. proposal to buy Greenland itself in 2019, a move the Independent’s own archives recorded. The media routinely highlights perceived hypocrisy in rival states, yet consistently omits the uncomfortable parallels with their own governments' past,
and present, actions. When does 'territorial integrity' become a sacred principle, and when is it a minor inconvenience to be overcome by 'strategic interests' or 'humanitarian intervention'? The answer, it seems, depends entirely on who is doing the invading, and who is sponsoring the news report.