Aardvark, I would partially agree with your last paragraph, in that the Russian populace is pretty much comatose after nearly a century of government domination.

I wouldn’t count the Western Euros out yet, however, as I see and hear things from family members and friends on the Continent that indicate a virulent undercurrent of anger and dissatisfaction with the ongoing changes. Even in Vienna, which I had always believed to be a bastion of liberalism and pacifism, I’m hearing and seeing things that are somewhat shocking.
Not to put too fine a point on it I see the same kind of emotion and thinking towards the Muslims that existed in another era towards another culture that existed in their midst, and whom they perceived as not being able to play well with others. I think we remember only too well where that went; not seeking to justify, only explain an observation.

We still have friends and allies on the Continent, if only we’ll open our eyes to them. So much more to be said, but I’ve already waxed longer than intended.

Russia (& most of Europe) are essentially non players on the longer term world stage for the same reason… birthrates so low they have no future beyond giving their territory to the Muslims who breed at 2x sustainment rates.

hajo-hi is correct about the context of Schadenfreude. It has meaning only in the context of a rivalry. My explanation, however, still stands as that was what I had in mind. There are other terms that do not translate directly, schlagfertigkeit is another that has meaning only in certain contexts. Schlagfertigkeit means “hitting back.” In 6 years in Germany, I never heard Schadenfreude used in the sense of shame. It was always with a vengeful panache, as if someone got what they had coming to them and you felt joy or satisfaction as a result.

“Μολὼν λαβέ” – Sarah Palin (noted Greek scholar)

http://www.bartleby.com/43/43.html