Many, many realist analysts were of the opinion that Russia invading Ukraine was a possible outcome of the geopolitical moment.
It is now known that Putin's decision to invade was due to bad intel from his intelligence services that reported that Ukraine would not be able to mount significant resistance. In that light it was reasonably self-interest-pursuant.
Acting on incorrect information is not the same as being irrational.
It is now known that Putin's decision to invade was due to bad intel from his intelligence services that reported that Ukraine would not be able to mount significant resistance. In that light it was reasonably self-interest-pursuant.
Acting on incorrect information is not the same as being irrational.