Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine prompted comparisons with Venice's surrender to France. Venice had already endured a long loss of trade, repeated wars, a costly transition from galleys to ships of the line, and shrinking returns from its empire. Its small population could not supply all the soldiers and sailors required for its commitments, so much of its strength had to be hired. Similar-looking moments of resistance or surrender can rest on very different levels of state capacity.
Notable Point · 17:56-23:18
Why Venice in 1797 was a poor analogy for Ukraine in 2022
The 2022 Venice-Ukraine analogy breaks down because Venice reached 1797 after centuries of commercial decline, repeated wars, and dependence on hired manpower.