The problem with Russia may be similar to the problem with Germany after WW-I. The standard trope regarding Germany is that the Versailes settlement was to harsh and bred resentment that resulted in the rise of Hitler and WW-II. That explanation has legs because it serves to empower both the Appeasement efforts of the right and the Soft Power – Collective Security dreams of the left. In fact the real problem with Germany was that the settlement was to generous. Germany was never forced to admit that it had been defeated on the battlefield. The Armistice and Revoloution gave rise to the “stab in the back” theory. That is what created the conditions for renewed militarization.

Similarly after the collapse of the Soviet Union there was a rush to soothe Russia’s wounded ego. They were encouraged to believe that they too were victims of a few corrupt and incompetent communists. Every effort was made to prop up the new regime and confer it with all the trappings of respect. The dubious claims of corrupt apparatchicks to vast wealth were taken seriously.

It would be better after this latest assault by Russia is repulsed to decisivly defang the bear. Russia must be stripped of her Navy and nuclear potential and pushed far enough north of the Caucasus that she can no longer threaten the links between Europe and the Middle East.