I have no idea why you were downvoted. Objective view of Russian foreign policy is that they gladly go for quick wins using any means at their disposal if the odds are in their favor. Having lots of credible force on the other side reduces these odds.

Because it's an idiotic simplification, like writing that "people in power in today's USA understand the only kind of arguments - money. Money of different kinds, but still - overwhelmingly money. This approach shouldn't be underestimated".

But it's not an idiotic simplification. Money, diplomatic relationships or international reputation are objectively irrelevant (if one wants predicatble outcomes) when dealing with the lords of Kremlin.

For example, observe the effects of economical sanctions on Russias de-facto war with Ukraine (none).

I'm not saying other large powers would be any better. The difference is, for example with US you can follow a little bit better as an outsider what is going on with their policies while Russias actions are far harder to predict.

Hah, funny considering the current system is mostly based on bribe, lots of bribes. Putin plays cynical power games, but he mostly does it more openly than others, compare it with republicans inviting bibi to he senate in a hope to get the iran deal spolied.

Except when RT (Russia Today) appears on reddit.