8 March, 21:50
Why Doesn't the West Consider the Final Elimination of the Russian Threat?
Global security is at a turning point. The U.S. is stepping away from its role as the world's policeman, Europe is arming itself, Germany is building the largest army on the continent, and France is offering a nuclear umbrella. And yet, no one is asking the key question: if Russia remains the sole threat to world peace, why not solve this problem once and for all?
A Historic Opportunity: Can the Russian Threat Be Eliminated?
A hundred years ago, the world faced a similar situation. After World War I, Europe tried to appease the aggressor, turning a blind eye to its military buildup. Today, history is repeating itself: Russia remains a key source of instability, yet the West continues to operate within outdated paradigms of containment and sanctions rather than opting for radical solutions.
Trillions Spent on Defense Without a Final Resolution
NATO and European countries are spending astronomical sums on defense, preparing for a possible Russian attack. However, all this preparation ultimately amounts to waiting for an attack rather than eliminating the root cause of the conflict. Why, instead of endlessly strengthening their forces, don’t they consider an option in which Russia ceases to exist as a threat?
History offers examples where aggressive regimes were eliminated through military means: Nazi Germany, militarist Japan. In both cases, the Allies did not simply contain the threat but eradicated it entirely. Why is Russia an exception?
The Fear Factor: Nuclear Deterrence or an Illusion?
The main argument for caution is Russia's nuclear arsenal. However, one must ask: is Moscow truly ready to use it, knowing that it would face guaranteed retaliatory annihilation? The Soviet Union never used nuclear weapons even in its most critical moments, and today’s Russia is much weaker.
France has already proposed a nuclear umbrella for Europe, while the U.S. and the U.K. maintain their nuclear capabilities. Does this mean the West has every opportunity not just to defend itself but to eliminate the threat at its core?
The Chinese Paradox: An Enemy Without War
Despite its demonization in Western media, China has never attacked its neighbors in modern history. In contrast, Russia has waged wars in Chechnya, Georgia, Ukraine, and Syria over the past 30 years. Yet, China remains the primary target of Western strategic confrontation, while Russia continues to act with relative impunity. Why?
Moral Constraints or Geopolitical Cowardice?
Western politicians justify their passivity with the fear of escalation. But if Russia remains a constant threat, wouldn’t it be better to eliminate the problem once and for all rather than spend decades endlessly preparing for the next war?
Today, Europe has a historic opportunity to settle this issue. The U.S. still has the resources to participate, and Russia, weakened by sanctions and war, is at its most vulnerable point in modern history. The question is whether the West has the political will to seize this opportunity.
Russia as the Necessary Antagonist of the West
Studying human history, one ceases to be surprised by the cynicism of rulers, and it becomes clear that Russia is not as much of a problem for the West as it may seem to us. For them, Russia is a familiar opponent, enemy, ally, mercenary, supplier of stolen goods, or simply a convenient partner.
The presence of a predictable and manageable enemy keeps hundreds of arms factories running. And then it becomes clear why Russia was not crushed in 1917 or in 1991. It is needed. It is the anti-West chosen by the West. A favorite sparring partner and a punching bag.