You are attempting to rewrite history. Russia was in a downward spiral. As a whole it had yet to show that it could be a full ally to the West. Moreover, it is extremely rare in history for ideologically divergent cultures to become allies within the short term (exceptions such as Japan and USA, UK and USA, UK and France come to mind). It takes time (and usually generations removed) for such things to occur.
Now, it appears the West’s hesitation at the time to accept Russia into NATO was prescient. Yes, maybe things could have been different if Russia had been accepted, but the risk that the alliance would have been shattered due to Russia’s entry was too much to bear.
I for one do hope that one day Russia and the West become will become allies, but Russia has some maturing to do in regards to liberty and governance, I think, before that time comes.
You are attempting to rewrite history. Russia was in a downward spiral. As a whole it had yet to show that it could be a full ally to the West. Moreover, it is extremely rare in history for ideologically divergent cultures to become allies within the short term (exceptions such as Japan and USA, UK and USA, UK and France come to mind). It takes time (and usually generations removed) for such things to occur.
Now, it appears the West’s hesitation at the time to accept Russia into NATO was prescient. Yes, maybe things could have been different if Russia had been accepted, but the risk that the alliance would have been shattered due to Russia’s entry was too much to bear.
I for one do hope that one day Russia and the West become will become allies, but Russia has some maturing to do in regards to liberty and governance, I think, before that time comes.