Should the West work with Russia?
It’s a controversial opinion, and I’ve stated it before. But if the West wants long-term peace and prosperity in its world of influence, Russia will need to be a part of it.
In November 2022, nine months after the sudden invasion of Ukraine, I wrote an article suggesting that once the war is over, the greatest diplomatic endeavor of the century will begin. Leaders will need to tactfully balance two competing needs:
- Quantifying Russia’s destruction and a means of making them pay for it, and
- Finding a way to reintegrate Russia into the world stage and towards partnership with the West.
In the United States (and much of the West by extension), the war in Ukraine is a hot issue that gets oversimplified when we talk about it. This is especially true when it comes to policy on Ukraine. For some time, the question of aid to Ukraine was the cornerstone of American politics. On the Democratic left, large and frequent aid packages to Ukraine were a must. On the Republican right, many felt we needed to define our priorities and leave room — and money — to address other issues at home and abroad.
The Biden administration — and much of Congress — have continued their aid to Ukraine. And in doing so, we have redefined our politics abroad.
But what Americans do not understand about foreign affairs is that events do not happen in a vacuum. They happen for reasons that are foreign to us but perfectly sensible to others. They have short-term and long-term impacts. And what America needs to do is consider the long-term impact of isolating Russia from the West.
Is this possible without forsaking Ukraine? I don’t know.
But others agree with me on this point. Specifically, Vivek Ramaswamy. Vivek is sharp, intense, and thorough, and it is precisely those qualities that gained him a lot of notoriety when he was running for president.
He filled an intellectual role the American people have been craving in politics, and despite the fact that he has stepped away from the campaign trail, he is still putting himself out there.
On May 27, he made a statement on Russia that Americans ought to consider; that we are “driving Russia further into China’s hands, when in fact we need a diplomatic maneuver to do the opposite.”
His proposition? End the war on “reasonable” terms as a means of appeasing Russia’s distaste with Western governments.
While Vivek’s proposition might be outlandish at this current state of affairs, there is some truth behind the sentiment. As I put it in my previous piece (which I think you should read), Russia’s position will be instrumental in defining competition in this century — as well as who wins.
There are two challenges that need addressed here, and Americans are desperate for a diplomat capable of meeting them head-on.
What do you think? Let me know in the comments.
