By | Idial Edao Daya
After the collapse of the Soviet Union, Russia gradually abandoned its previous political and economic policies — not to seek empire, but to embrace democracy. It slowly adopted Western liberal ideologies by shifting to a market economy and encouraging the private sector, in hopes of winning the West’s support both economically and politically. However, the West, and particularly the United States, remained reluctant to offer substantial assistance. Unlike the support provided to Eastern Germany, Poland, and other Eastern European nations, Russia received minimal help, which demoralized its people.
Furthermore, the West took advantage of the Soviet Union’s collapse and expanded NATO eastward, violating the promises made to Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev. Over time, Russia realized the true intentions of the West. It now perceives NATO’s expansion as a direct threat. In response to NATO’s encroachment, Russia annexed Crimea and invaded Ukraine.
The West, on the other hand, views Russia as an aggressor and an expansionist power. To contain and deter Russia, the West adopted a policy of containment, aimed at reducing Russia’s sphere of influence. They encouraged Russia’s neighboring countries to join both the EU and NATO.
These offensive actions by the West have left Russia with no option but to defend itself. If the United States faced a similar threat, its reaction would likely be even stronger than Russia’s. The Monroe Doctrine — a cornerstone of U.S. foreign policy — asserts that any attempt to establish influence in the Western Hemisphere would be considered a direct threat to U.S. security. The U.S. would never allow any country to set up military bases in Mexico or Canada, yet it does the opposite when its own interests are involved — supporting Ukraine against Russia and Taiwan against China.
Unlike previous administrations, President Trump’s administration prioritized America’s interests over preserving so-called “Western values” and traditional U.S. foreign policy. Trump’s approach to the Russia-Ukraine war, tariff threats, and pressure on NATO allies to increase their defense budgets disappointed European leaders and forced them to reconsider their dependence on the U.S.
French President Emmanuel Macron’s recent call for the rearmament of Europe reflects not only a shift in U.S. foreign policy but also Europe’s declining global influence. France, in particular, is rapidly losing its sphere of influence in former colonies. Russia, through the Wagner Group, is arming and training forces in former French colonies in Africa, intensifying competition and causing major concern for France.
Ultimately, the conflict between the West and Russia is about reasserting power. It is rooted in historical differences, deep trust issues, and hegemonic ambitions on both sides.
Idial Edao Daya is the Managing Editor for International Affairs at The Spotlight, focusing on global politics, economics, and political philosophy. He holds a BA in International Relations from Adnan Menderes University, Turkey, where he graduated as the top student, and an MA in Management and Organization from Marmara University. Currently, he is pursuing a second master’s degree in European Union Politics and International Relations at Kocaeli University.
