There is no evidence to suggest Mearsheimer is hostile to democracy. Likewise, nothing in the highlighted text indicates Russia and China don't work together. The point is, it's always been a tenuous relationship, and US strategic interests would have benefited more from amplifying the division, rather than solidifying cooperation.

Much as the US does with the Monroe Doctrine in the Americas, the Russians have said for years eastward NATO expansion is not tolerable. The US threatened nuclear war over Russian missiles in Cuba.

There's certainly no reason to believe Russia would be any less forceful at the prospect of NATO missiles in Ukraine. Never mind, the US and its allies are not spreading "democracy." They are spreading a toxic cesspool of global kleptocracy.

And, if you don't like Bitcoin, don't buy it. Reasonable minds can differ, and a large number of very reasonable minds disagree with your perspective on Bitcoin.

If you read the article, you would know I have reservations about the future of Bitcoin. I also recognise there is a plausible, and rational argument to hold it.

Free your mind, your ass will follow.