US and Russia: Two Paths to Global Destiny

Key Insight

Two great peoples, the Russians and the Anglo-Americans, are advancing towards a similar global destiny, emerging from obscurity to the 'first rank among nations.' While other peoples are nearing their natural limits or progressing with great effort, these two nations continue to grow rapidly and effortlessly. Their respective means and methods, however, are fundamentally different, reflecting contrasting philosophical underpinnings.

The American battles the obstacles of nature, combating 'wilderness and barbarity' with the 'farmer’s plowshare.' He relies on 'personal interest' and allows individuals to exercise their strength and reason without guidance, with 'liberty' as his principal means of action. This approach fosters enterprise and individual initiative, driving expansion and prosperity.

The Russian, in contrast, 'grapples with men,' combating 'civilization with all its arms' using the 'soldier’s sword.' He concentrates 'all the power of society in one man,' with 'servitude' as his primary means of action. Despite these divergent points of departure and diverse ways, both are seen as called by 'a secret design of Providence' to 'sway the destinies of half the globe' some day.