Yeltsin/Putin seemed to have a legitimate desire to join NATO in the 90s/early 00s. Russia joining NATO would almost completely encircle China and allow the EU and US to station troops on the Chinese border. So it would have been a geopolitical masterstroke.

What is the explanation for why Russia didn't join NATO? Is it because China wasn't seen as a threat back then or is it simply cold war brainworms? Anyone have an explanation or readings on this?

  • VoldemortPutler [none/use name]
    ·
    2 years ago

    Russia would be independent and not have to bow to any pressure, and the US isn't looking for equal partners. Take a look at Turkey, they're throwing a wrench into the spokes of NATO expansion. If they weren't a legacy admission, they wouldn't be allowed in today

    • constellation [none/use name]
      ·
      2 years ago

      Turkey was admitted for very good reasons: it allows Russia to be flanked and invaded from two directions. This is one of the Axis' main problems in WWII, a single-axis attack allowed the Russians to put all their resources in one direction.