late wrote:I wonder why so many countries near Russia were begging to be let into the clubhouse.
It's a mystery.
As many who would retort us say, it's probably also "a mystery" why most Latin American countries are pro-Russia or pro-China.
I'd take in three more areas of consideration though:
1. How free are the people living in those powers
2. How do they behave? Do they hold up the moral standards as advocated
verbally by their respective countries?
3. How many people from other places go to the powers in concern?
Question 1 is simple. The USA wins flat and square. In fact, it can be said as "too free", as civilians are relatively free to murder each other out of spite.
For question 2, Russia might be the winner. Chinese are too obedient to their abusive masters, while some Americans are often too arrogant. Admittedly I met few Russians but most of them are OK. If some of them don't murder dissidents even better.
Question 3 should be a win for the USA again. Even those from Latin America like to enter it, so much that reactionaries use the resentment of some of those already inside to take (usurp) power.
I think your retort would be much more persuasive if these three are added.