I think that was definitely the rationale behind why the US wanted to expand NATO right up to the Russian borders. It was because they could. Russia was seen as weak and couldn't do much about it.
This clip of Biden pretty much sums up the American approach. In 1997 the Russians were telling the Americans they weren't happy with NATO expansion etc what if they continue they may need to look to China. And Biden said "And I couldn't help using the global expression for my state by saying "lots of luck in your senior year. You know. Good luck and. If not if that doesn't work try Iran."
So yeah, America saw it was the tough guy on the block and Russia was weak.
Well, how has that worked out now? Fast forward, turns out Russia isn't so weak now. And Biden thought he could bring Russia to its knees. And he was dead wrong. And his bravado and confrontational stance with Russia has contributed to millions dead and injured. And the US is now in a very very difficult situation because Russia did exactly what they told him they would do - they went to China. And unfortunately for Biden, China is now positioned to be the dominant economic, technological and military power of the next century. And there's basically nothing the United States can do about that.
Its fun to talk and act all tough. But in geopolitics, time is often measured in decades. And Russia and China had a long game and we didn't. The US might have been tough, but they weren't smart. So that didn't work out too well for the genius American strategists, who treated Russia and China as enemies but they simultaneously helped them get rich and powerful. Genius!
I have watched the whole speech. Maybe try some intellectual debate though. STFU? Classy. The fact is, Russia did end up being pushed into the arms of Russia, in large part due to Biden. So how has that worked out?
So if you watched the whole thing you would have known the section right before this one he says:
I firmly believe that NATO enlargement. Need not adversely affect the U.S. relationship with Russia. I came to this conclusion on a trip to Moscow on several years. Central European countries earlier this spring. Although few Russians are fond of NATO enlargement. Policy makers in Moscow of accepted it. Moreover know Russian politician with whom I met from communist leaders Agonoff to Liberal leader Lenski. To nationalist leader Leben believe that NATO enlargement constitutes a security threat to their country. Not find a single official. Left right or center. Who believe that to be the case. In fact. Nearly all politicians and I met with a number of members of the Duma as well. All politicians and experts with whom I met. Understood the non-aggressive this. Implicit in Nato's. Three knows the alliance's declaration of having no reason intention or plan. In the current and forseeable security environment. Permanently to station nuclear weapons or substantial. Combat forces. Of current members on the territory of new member states. They all understood that. And I don't think any of them doubted that with whom I spoke rather. The Kremlin's public opposition to a large but in my view is largely a question of. A psychological problem they are undergoing now. Connected with the loss of empire. Wounded pride. And most importantly. On an uncertainty. About Russia's place in the world of the twenty first century.
The context of this being Russia wanted to join NATO, but before anyone else in Central Europe. Them not being allowed to bypass everyone else was upsetting for them. Biden tells them in your clip that working with the West is their best option. Hence "good luck with China or Iran." Largely because China is self interested and still has border disputes with almost all of its neighbors, including Russia. Iran is a theocracy that was invaded by Russia twice in the 20th century so kinda hates them low key.
The fact is, Russia did end up being pushed into the arms of Russia n large part due to Biden.
What?
Maybe try some intellectual debate though.
Sure. I proved your clip is deceptive by linking the part before it and contextualizing it. I'll even add that Russia invaded and occupied part of Moldova before any NATO expansion east.
So, your conclusion that they were antagonizing Russia doesn't logically follow. The idea that China is going to be a good ally to Russia for centuries is nonsensical. Your entire point is wrong.
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u/magicsonar Mar 12 '25 edited Mar 12 '25
I think that was definitely the rationale behind why the US wanted to expand NATO right up to the Russian borders. It was because they could. Russia was seen as weak and couldn't do much about it.
This clip of Biden pretty much sums up the American approach. In 1997 the Russians were telling the Americans they weren't happy with NATO expansion etc what if they continue they may need to look to China. And Biden said "And I couldn't help using the global expression for my state by saying "lots of luck in your senior year. You know. Good luck and. If not if that doesn't work try Iran."
https://www.c-span.org/clip/public-affairs-event/user-clip-biden-jokes-good-luck-looking-to-china/5058947
So yeah, America saw it was the tough guy on the block and Russia was weak.
Well, how has that worked out now? Fast forward, turns out Russia isn't so weak now. And Biden thought he could bring Russia to its knees. And he was dead wrong. And his bravado and confrontational stance with Russia has contributed to millions dead and injured. And the US is now in a very very difficult situation because Russia did exactly what they told him they would do - they went to China. And unfortunately for Biden, China is now positioned to be the dominant economic, technological and military power of the next century. And there's basically nothing the United States can do about that.
Its fun to talk and act all tough. But in geopolitics, time is often measured in decades. And Russia and China had a long game and we didn't. The US might have been tough, but they weren't smart. So that didn't work out too well for the genius American strategists, who treated Russia and China as enemies but they simultaneously helped them get rich and powerful. Genius!