> While it seems crude, the way we used to do it, the way the Soviets used to do it, the way China does it now, seems to work best for this kind of interest. While it seems crude, the way we used to do it, the way the Soviets used to do it, the way China does it now, seems to work best for this kind of interest.

Aside from ethical issues, the inevitable case is what they think is theirs and what you think is yours end up conflicting, which is how that strategy fell apart with the Soviets in Afghanistan. And with the US and Saddam Hussein in Iraq. Among other places.

Bringing Saddam Hussein and the invasion of Iraq into the discussion is a distraction, as this is most clearly regarded as a separate conflict launched under the cover of an invasion of Afghanistan which was, unlike that in Iraq, a response to an actual attack and continuing threat. In addition, and per my previous comment, the acquiescence of Congress further demonstrated the limitations of its nominal power to veto such actions.

It’s smart because the despot has already found product-market fit.