The EI Podcast
How a Second Cold War could have been averted
Feb 28, 2025
Mary Elise Sarotte, a renowned historian specializing in US-Russia relations, discusses the intricate dynamics of NATO's expansion in the 1990s. She examines how this expansion may have contributed to current geopolitical tensions, particularly under Vladimir Putin's leadership. Sarotte critically reflects on the historical miscalculations that have shaped U.S.-Russia relations since the Cold War. She offers insights into the strategic challenges NATO faces today, especially regarding the aspirations of Finland and Sweden amidst rising tensions with Russia.
20:43
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Quick takeaways
- NATO's post-Cold War expansion, while justified, failed to account for its negative impact on Russian relations and democracy.
- The ongoing conflict between authoritarianism and democracy demands careful NATO strategies to avoid escalating tensions with Russia.
Deep dives
Putin's Aggression and NATO's Response
The renewed aggression from Russia, marked by the February 2022 invasion of Ukraine, highlighted the significant threat Putin poses to democracy and liberty in Europe. This marked a dramatic shift in NATO's strategy, which had previously been focused on the rising influence of China. NATO officially identified Russia as the primary threat, necessitating a reversal from previous cooperative efforts back to confrontation. This change underscored NATO's role as a defender of peace and stability in the Euro-Atlantic region, once again emphasizing the ongoing conflict between authoritarianism and democratic values.
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