Sylvester Dordzi
President Joe Biden sent a strong message to the world about their support for Ukraine when he paid a surprise visit to Ukraine this morning. The unannounced trip was not on the itinerary of the white house as of yesterday and all press on the flight had their communication devices seized to prevent any leak of information.
The visit was a significant moment for Ukraine as said by president Volodymyr Zelensky, this comes exactly a year after the brutal Russian invasion. Air raid sirens wailed all over Kyiv underscoring the risk involved in the surprise trip.
According to President Volodymyr Zelensky, it was a significant signal for them that the western alliance was with them.
What is the Western alliance?
The Western alliance refers to the political, economic, and military cooperation between a group of countries in the Western world. The alliance has its roots in the aftermath of World War II when the United States and its European allies came together to rebuild Europe and establish a system of collective security to prevent another world war.
The key members of the Western alliance include the United States, Canada, and the countries of Western Europe, particularly those in the European Union and NATO. These countries share common values, including a commitment to democracy, human rights, and the rule of law, and they work together to promote peace, stability, and prosperity around the world.
The Western alliance has played a major role in shaping the world since the end of World War II. It was instrumental in rebuilding Europe after the war and in containing the spread of Soviet influence during the Cold War. In recent years, the alliance has faced new challenges, including terrorism, the rise of authoritarian regimes, and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. However, the member countries continue to work together to address these challenges and promote global security and stability.
Why is Russia against the Western Alliance?
Russia’s relationship with the Western alliance has been complex and contentious for several reasons.
Firstly, Russia has historical and geopolitical tensions with some of the key members of the Western alliance, particularly the United States and some of the countries in Europe. These tensions date back to the Cold War era when the Soviet Union was in a constant state of conflict with the United States and its allies in Europe. Following the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, Russia struggled to establish a new role for itself in the global order, and tensions with the West persisted.
Secondly, Russia sees the expansion of the Western alliance, particularly the expansion of NATO, as a direct threat to its security interests. Russia views NATO’s expansion into former Soviet bloc countries as an encroachment on its traditional sphere of influence and a potential military threat.
Finally, Russia’s current government under President Vladimir Putin has been characterized by an aggressive foreign policy and an emphasis on asserting Russia’s interests on the global stage. This has led to confrontations with the Western alliance over issues such as Russia’s annexation of Crimea, its military intervention in Syria, and its alleged interference in the 2016 US presidential election.
Overall, Russia’s opposition to the Western alliance is driven by a combination of historical tensions, geopolitical considerations, and its current foreign policy objectives.
