Authored by Carus Michaelangelo via The Mises Institute,
Scott Horton’s highly anticipated book, Provoked, is set to delve into the intricate details of the US provocations that triggered Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. However, the question remains: will it be too late?
Since the onset of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the Biden administration, in conjunction with the Ukrainian government and various European allies, has persistently engaged in activities that provoke Putin towards a broader confrontation with the West. While acknowledging the perilous path we are on, it is essential to note that this does not justify Russia’s reactions to these provocations.
The US and Europe have significantly armed Ukraine.
Western nations have poured substantial funds—amounting to hundreds of billions of dollars—into supporting Ukraine’s military endeavors, despite the rampant corruption within the country. While this may benefit the US military-industrial complex, it offers little solace in the event of a war with Russia.
Ukraine’s actions, such as sabotaging the Nord Stream pipeline, have often been wrongly attributed to Russia. The US-backed incursions by Ukraine into Russian territories, like the Kursk region, have been met with tacit approval from Washington. Furthermore, the supply of ATACMS missiles to Ukraine resulted in disastrous consequences, with explosions in Crimea and continued attacks on Moscow.
The US’s approach of treating the conflict as a proxy war is misguided. To Russia, this is not a proxy war but a direct confrontation with Ukraine, which is backed by the US. Providing financial aid, weapons, and intelligence to Ukraine is perceived by Russian leaders as an act of aggression against Russia itself.
The US establishment’s recklessness is evident. Their arrogance leads them to dismiss Putin’s warnings about the potential use of nuclear weapons as mere bluffs. The contradictory narratives surrounding Putin’s behavior highlight the establishment’s flawed understanding of the situation.
Instead of pursuing peace, the US political elite continues to escalate tensions, hindering any prospects for a resolution. The sabotage of peace proposals and the relentless demonization of Putin have only prolonged the conflict and increased human suffering.
It is imperative for US leaders to prioritize peace, disengage from provocative actions against nuclear powers, and foster genuine relationships with all nations. A concerted effort from the American people is necessary to counter the hawkish tendencies of the establishment and advocate for peace.
While some European leaders are leaning towards peace initiatives, it will require a united and sustained push from the American public to steer away from the path of conflict and towards a harmonious resolution.
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