Back in 2004, I remember discussing the disturbing political convergence happening in both Russia and Venezuela with an American journalist, arguing that a unique blend of resource nationalism, populism, and repressive authoritarianism was beginning to take root in parallel processes, eventually establishing the basis for a new alliance. I was quite nearly laughed out of the office of this journalist, who refused to believe that there was any reason to take Russia’s new diplomatic efforts in Latin America, and its relationship with Venezuela’s Hugo Chavez especially, with any degree of sincerity or concern. Somehow I don’t think that I would have quite as much trouble pushing that argument today. For those looking for a quick catch-up piece, Ellen Barry’s article in today’s New York Times lays out the latest critical developments, including the Medvedev-Chavez orchestrated oil deal which Chavez compares to “a colossus being born.” So when can we stop pretending that nobody knew this was coming?