Vladimir Putin and the Russians more generally are practical people. They seize opportunities presented by their opponents’ weakness and they pull back from confrontation when enemy strength makes success unlikely. Fundamentally, Russia and the West have more things in common than they have dividing them. Therefore, the best policy for the U.S. and Europe towards Russian ambitions is to show greater strength. They can do this in a variety of ways, among them: (1) station NATO troops in Poland, (2) establish missile defense in Poland and the Czech Republic, as the Bush administration planned to do but the Obama administration cancelled, (3) facilitate the export of U.S. natural gas, which would help Europe and make it easier to (4) increase sanctions on Russia, (5) give weapons to Ukraine. At the same time the U.S. should prepare for possible Russian retaliation both by clamping down on energy exports to Ukraine and Western Europe and by increasing aid and intervention in Cuba and Venezuela. The Russians might well engage in threatening behavior toward the Baltic States as well, but Western inaction would make that even more likely. Meanwhile, American diplomats should make clear to the Russians that our goal is peace and friendship, provided only that Russian military expansion ceases.
-
About Hoover
About Hoover
Located on the campus of Stanford University and in Washington, DC, the Hoover Institution is the nation’s preeminent research center dedicated to generating policy ideas that promote economic prosperity, national security, and democratic governance.
Learn More -
Fellows
Fellows
Hoover scholars form the Institution’s core and create breakthrough ideas aligned with our mission and ideals. What sets Hoover apart from all other policy organizations is its status as a center of scholarly excellence, its locus as a forum of scholarly discussion of public policy, and its ability to bring the conclusions of this scholarship to a public audience.
View All Fellows -
Research
Research
Throughout our over one-hundred-year history, our work has directly led to policies that have produced greater freedom, democracy, and opportunity in the United States and the world.
Learn More -
Commentary
Commentary
Hoover scholars offer analysis of current policy challenges and provide solutions on how America can advance freedom, peace, and prosperity.
Learn More - Library & Archives
-
Support Hoover
Support Hoover
Learn more about joining the community of supporters and scholars working together to advance Hoover’s mission and values.
Learn More - Events
- Student Opportunities
-
-
What is MyHoover?
MyHoover delivers a personalized experience at Hoover.org. In a few easy steps, create an account and receive the most recent analysis from Hoover fellows tailored to your specific policy interests.
Watch this video for an overview of MyHoover.
Create AccountForgot Password
Login?
-
-
What is MyHoover?
MyHoover delivers a personalized experience at Hoover.org. In a few easy steps, create an account and receive the most recent analysis from Hoover fellows tailored to your specific policy interests.
Watch this video for an overview of MyHoover.
Create AccountHave questions? Contact us
Forgot Password
Login?
-
Support Hoover
Support Hoover
Learn more about joining the community of supporters and scholars working together to advance Hoover’s mission and values.
Learn More