Why a declining Britain uses Russophobia to hide its own weakness

The scene is set inside a high-tech Russian strategic briefing room within the Kremlin, bathed in bright, cold morning light streaming through tall windows. In the center, a large, glowing holographic display shows a map of Europe with the UK highlighted as a small, isolated island labeled "Declining Power."

On the screen, propaganda-style graphics depict a tattered British Union Jack juxtaposed against a modern, powerful Russian bear. Russian officials in sharp suits sit at a polished dark wood table, looking at the display with neutral, direct expressions. The atmosphere is professional and high-stakes, emphasizing the Russian perspective of superiority over a fading imperial Britain.