The 1994 Memo: A Turning Point in U.S.-Russia Relations

This chapter explores a crucial memo from the National Security Council in 1994 that dramatically altered U.S.-Russia relations, emphasizing NATO's expansion as a strategy to encircle Russia. It critically examines the implications of this policy on future conflicts, particularly in Ukraine, and discusses the disconnect between military strategies and political understandings. Additionally, the chapter investigates the dynamics of Russian decision-making before the Ukraine invasion and the impact of Western involvement on peace negotiations.