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A Newly Declassified Memo Sheds Light on America's Post-Cold War Mistakes


Published on 2024-12-24 00:21:55 - Slate
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  • The newly discovered memo, written in March 1994 by Wayne Merry, chief of the U.S. Embassy's internal politics division at the time, didn't make the same impact as Kennan's for two reasons. First, Merry did not go public.

The article from Slate discusses the evolving dynamics between Russia and the West, particularly focusing on the historical context and current geopolitical tensions. It examines how the Cold War's end did not bring the expected peace but instead led to a series of conflicts, notably in Ukraine, which has become a focal point of East-West rivalry. The piece highlights the miscalculations by both Russian and Western leaders regarding post-Cold War Europe, the annexation of Crimea, and the ongoing war in Donbas. It also critiques the foreign policy approaches of the U.S. and NATO, suggesting that a lack of understanding of Russian historical insecurities and strategic interests has contributed to the current standoff. The article argues for a more nuanced approach to dealing with Russia, acknowledging its desire for respect and influence in its near abroad, while also recognizing the need for a robust defense of democratic values and international norms.

Read the Full Slate Article at:
[ https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2024/12/russia-news-ukraine-cold-war-foreign-policy-history.html ]