Russia in Global Affairs

It is ironic that NATO, an alliance ostensibly committed to preserving peace in Europe, has once again made war the ultima ratio, the only effective way for a state to preserve its security. But such an outcome was essentially predetermined almost as soon as the USSR collapsed, when the U.S. decided to expand NATO into Ukraine.

Moscow joined the NATO’s Partnership for Peace program 30 years ago, but today there is neither partnership nor peace.

The US-led bloc no longer offers the only viable model for development, which means its ability to impose its will is fading.

The initial stage of confrontation between Russia and the West is a process of consolidating the positions of both opposing sides. One of its most obvious manifestations is the beginning of Finland and Sweden joining the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, writes Konstantin Khudoley.

In 2021, Russia’s foreign policy seems to have entered a new stage. Let us call it the “constructive destruction” of the previous model of relations with the West.

Although Russia is responsible for its actions, there are those, both in Ukraine and particularly in the West, who have been working hard for years to transform Ukraine into a bridgehead, even a launching pad against Russia, not caring at all what it may ultimately mean not only for Russia but also for Ukraine.

Russia’s advantage comes from the fact that its military capabilities in the potential zone of conflict are far beyond those of the US and NATO, and that Russia is in a position to apply force should the worst possible scenario be realized. America’s advantage lies in its international dominance over the realm of media and information. In reality, no one wants a military solution.

On January 27, 2022, Fyodor Lukyanov, Editor-in-Chief of Russia in Global Affairs magazine, took part in an American-Russian online conversation, titled “Can War In Ukraine Be Avoided?”. The webinar was organized by the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft.

On January 27, 2022, at 9:00 p.m. Moscow time (GMT+3) Fyodor Lukyanov, Editor-in-Chief of Russia in Global Affairs magazine, will take part in an American-Russian online conversation, titled “Can War In Ukraine Be Avoided?”. The webinar is organized by the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft.