Russia, a power motivated by imperial conquest, continues to wage war on Ukraine, challenging the United States-led democratic international order. Too many in Washington underestimate Russia’s threat, or are hesitant to confront it. Across administrations — from Obama to Biden to Trump — there have been repeated calls for accommodation, for de-escalation, for “peace.” Such calls are often framed as servants of pragmatic strategy.
Moral certainty, we’re told, is a sacrifice made in the name of self-interest. China is the bigger threat. Russia is a sideshow. Some “realists” and “isolationists” argue that Moscow, if handled right, might even help counter China. But this overlooks the obvious: Russia’s strategic aim — like China’s — is to weaken U.S. power. Moscow is not a potential asset, but rather a potent adversary.
