The dangerously combustible mix of: Increased standing in the world, increased nationalistic pride and grouse against established power(s).

In the last three days Russia has been at war with Georgia, a conflict that has, if reports are to be believed, left more than 2000 civilians dead.

In the words of George W. Bush, this conflict is "occurring in regions of Georgia far removed from the zone of conflict in South Ossetia.."

As worrying, the Russian foreign minister has reportedly declared that the Georgian president "must go". This prompted what Richard Roth, CNN's U.N correspondent described as "language from another era.." on the floor of the United Nations security council.

Surely the reason why Russia is so concerned about South Ossetia wouldn't be about.. the need to change the regime in Georgia!???...?

Currently Russia (a militarily powerful country that has known its fair share of prominence) enjoys increased standing in the world.. not least because of the billions of dollars It is accruing from the sale of its oil. The increased nationalistic pride felt by Russian citizens is there for all the world to see..
The Russian federation has, in the recent past, hardly passed up on a chance to criticize the United States for what it describes as increasing U.S hegemony...

The mix of Increased standing in the world, nationalistic pride, and grouse (real or perceived) against established power(s) whilst good for a nation's psyche, should perhaps best be very carefully managed..

... Russia, Europe and indeed the world need only look back to 70 years ago to remind themselves of why..