Earlier quoted context omitted.
Your argument that Russia is solely responsible for destabilizing the region mirrors a familiar rhetorical pattern seen throughout history, where weaker powers are trapped in a Kafka trap[1]. Any resistance or reaction by the weaker side justifies further aggression from the stronger power, leading to their gradual erosion and disappearance through salami slicing tactics[2]. Whether through territorial encroachment o…
This is a very US centric take. NATO isn't expanding to increase US power over Russia. Independent, self-determined countries seek to join NATO to bolster their defense against the local aggressive neighbour. This should be very clear when you consider how NATO has expanded: not by US invitation to join them, but rather by Russian neighbours seeking an alliance to finally rid themselves of the threat. > Russia's resp…
How would one differentiate between "Russian neighbours seeking an alliance" and "Russian neighbours seeking an alliance because they were promised something in return"?
And even in this case: why would Russia care about the reasons? From russian point of view there was a promise: NATO won't grow any further east. The promise was broken.
Had NATO refused adding new members to its ranks - there would be no problem.