An interesting historical analogy is playing out right now between the World War I centennial, and Russia’s Ukrainian venture. In fact, you can’t help but wonder if Russia is stage-managing events to foster the analogy. This could balloon the unsettling effects of Russia’s current Ukrainian venture, and cut the cost of acquiring more Ukrainian territory. Comment on World War I mostly centers on the idea that a seemingly minor incident, such as the assassination of an archduke, can topple a series of dominos and set off a global war. From there, it’s not too great a stretch to wonder if another seemingly minor incident, the downing of a Malaysian passenger jet, can do something like that today. It’s in Russia’s interest to have North American and European voters think that way. If so, they are less likely to pressure their governments to get involved. Instead they’ll want a negotiated settlement, which Russia also favours. That way, Russia can acquire parts of eastern…