By Jason Fields The Week
Vladimir Putin and Russia have ended the Pax Americana by calling what turned out to be America’s bluff.
The proof? Russian tanks are moving deeper into Ukraine.
With the end of the Cold War, the United States promised everyone everything, extending its protection as far east as tiny Lithuania. Sure, little buddy, if that bully Russia ever pulls itself off the canvas, we’ve got your back… But the U.S. reached out too far, promised too much, and now the bluff is called: The embers of imperial ambition can’t protect poor, friendly Ukraine.
Once considered the Soviet heartland and breadbasket — at least by the Russians — Ukraine has admittedly played coy over the years. At times, it has leaned West; other times, toward Moscow. Recently, it’s been looking for a bit more democracy (and certainly the greater wealth) that comes from cozying up to Western Europe and the United States. While Kyiv hadn’t formally asked to join NATO — and NATO hasn’t offered — friendly allyship, if not formal alliance, and full integration into Europe were certainly on the table. And Ukraine knows the United States and NATO protect their friends — or at least their aura of resolve does.
But now that glow has faded, and as Winston Churchill said, the lights are going out. A major land war has once again grabbed Europe by the throat.
