Source: The American Conservative
by Doug Bandow
“Russia does not pose a global threat, certainly not militarily. Moscow has traditionally been ranked number two, but its performance in Georgia in 2008 and Ukraine so far have not impressed. Moreover, Russia’s conventional capabilities are well behind those of America, especially in combination with European forces. Yet the more military power amassed by U.S. policymakers, the greater their paranoia. Vladimir Putin and his ruling circle are malign actors, but his Russia is not the same as Joseph Stalin’s Soviet Union. Militarily, Moscow poses no threat to the U.S. other than nuclear, which is an argument for avoiding, not initiating, conflict.” (03/02/23)