ChrisO_wikiAug 9, 2024
1/ Russian commentators say that Russia is losing parity in the drone war with Ukraine. They blame old-fashioned military commanders, the takeover of drone development by state contractors, and a dysfunctional military procurement system which prioritises loyalty over competence. ⬇️
Show threadnotsoloud
@ChrisO_wiki
It's almost like democracy is a superior system of government
Aug 9, 2024 at 4:56pmWeb
Show threadIsaac Ji KuoAug 9, 2024

@notsoloud @ChrisO_wiki

I wish it could be that simple. (I'm Taiwanese-American.)

China's government is profoundly anti-democratic, but the Chinese people have an incredible culture and infrastructure of high tech experimentation and innovation.

I do not expect that in the case of a war against Taiwan (and allies), that my side could expect to have an inherent edge in drone development and rapid innovation to changing battlefield conditions.

Thank goodness for the existence of the Strait.

Show threadnotsoloudAug 9, 2024

@isaackuo
I'm very very happy that Russia isn't powered by the full might of Shenzhen.

And yes, China is very strong in many ways at the moment and quite different from Russia.

But I still think China faces the risk of all dictatorships: The requirements to gain, keep and profit from power are only weakly linked to the strength of the country. Palace fights and bribes take priority, and in the long term the system pulls towards loyalty over competence.

But what do I know...

@ChrisO_wiki