Book SummaryNew Cold Wars, by David E. Sanger

1-Page Summary1-Page Book Summary of New Cold Wars

The deterioration of the United States' diplomatic ties with Russia and the American response to Russian aggression.

The section under review delves into the deterioration of the United States and Russia's diplomatic ties, transitioning from the initial optimism following the end of the Cold War to the significant deployment of military forces in Ukraine in 2022. Sanger examines the missed opportunities, miscalculations, and fundamental tensions that led to the onset of this era characterized by conflict.

The era succeeding the Cold War, frequently referred to as the "Reset," and its eventual downfall.

After the Berlin Wall came down, there was a period where the United States and Russia considered the potential for cooperation. The focus was on nurturing economic ties and joint initiatives to combat terrorism, while also integrating Russia into networks associated with Western countries. However, the aspiration for a durable alliance gradually eroded due to a succession of incidents and misinterpretations, all driven by conflicting objectives and entrenched historical resentments.

Russia's aspiration for a partnership on equal footing and its bitterness over the enlargement of NATO

When Putin took office, it was clear that he sought to establish Russia as an equal to the United States. They endeavored to influence the formation of the nascent global framework. Putin's position on several matters was evident from his comments at public events and in private conversations, particularly when he first met with George W. Bush in the Russian city famous for its waterways and grand buildings. Sanger depicts Putin's belief that working with the United States would reinstate Russia's significant international standing, similar to its position before the fall of the Soviet Union. For a brief moment, the idea that Russia might join NATO seemed plausible.

NATO's growth challenged the idea of Russia's assimilation into the Western alliance. The author argues that a critical and often overlooked turning point in the relationship occurred when the alliance expanded eastward, as evidenced by the inclusion of Poland, Hungary, and the Czech Republic in 1999. In Russia, there was a perception that this action constituted a deliberate betrayal, breaching the tacit understanding that NATO would not encroach upon Russia's borders after the Berlin Wall fell. Discussions persist about the accuracy of assertions that the United States had agreed to cease its territorial growth, and it is clear that the actions of NATO heightened suspicion and strain with Russia. The enlargement of NATO after the airstrikes in Kosovo intensified Russia's unease due to perceptions of the United States' dominant sway.

Putin's growing distrust took root during the Color Revolutions.

In the early 21st century, numerous "color revolutions" emerged throughout the ex-Soviet republics, highlighting the profound differences in strategy between the United States and Russia. Western nations generally received these predominantly peaceful protests, which focused on advocating for democracy and confronting dishonest practices, with approval, interpreting them as an indication of the citizens' aspirations in those nations to liberate themselves from Moscow's influence.

Putin viewed the series of "color revolutions" with concern, interpreting them as a sign that the United States might disrupt the political stability of Russia. The Orange Revolution of 2004 serves as a prime example of such an event taking place in Ukraine. Sanger offers the viewpoint that Putin saw these uprisings not as steps toward a more transparent society, but as strategies engineered by American intelligence to set the stage for possible changes in Russia's governance. His administration's portrayal of protesters in Russia, Belarus, and Georgia as instruments manipulated by the United States further solidified the view that Western nations were intent on weakening his stance.

The conflict in Iraq significantly intensified the discourse on what constitutes terrorism.

Initially, it seemed that the terrorist events of September 11, 2001, might pave the way for a true chance at cooperation between America and Russia. The US and Russia each grappled with their own internal terrorist concerns, the former dealing with al-Qaeda and the latter with Chechen separatists, a dynamic that Sanger notes set the stage for numerous joint initiatives including military personnel exchanges and cooperative intelligence activities.

But this seemingly unified front against terror quickly hit several walls. The Bush administration regarded the global counterterrorism initiative against al-Qaeda as including the advancement of democratic institutions in Iraq and Afghanistan to impede terrorist recruitment. Putin firmly resolved to eradicate the Chechen population. He regarded the United States' invasion of Iraq as an unauthorized act of neo-imperialism, causing him significant distress. Sanger emphasizes that Putin viewed the United States' readiness to engage in discussions with Chechen separatists as an indication of its intent to destabilize his administration.

Putin's increasing boldness and the inadequate responses by nations in the West.

As doubt about Western countries grew, Putin's actions to assert his nation's superiority and counteract what he saw as Western attempts to diminish its power became more evident. The writer argues that the West's consistently inadequate responses have given Putin the confidence to initiate an aggressive attack on Ukraine.

The 2008 military incursion into Georgia as a precursor to subsequent maneuvers.

The incursion of Russian forces into Georgia in 2008 unmistakably marked a pivotal moment. Putin justified the attack by asserting that the Georgian authorities were provoking acts of terror against Russians residing within Georgia's borders, an excuse that anticipated his later justification for...

New Cold Wars Summary The United States misjudged the evolving nature of its interactions with China.

"New Cold Wars" examines the flawed approaches of the United States in foreign policy, which were based on the belief that through deeper economic ties and increased integration with the West, China would transform into a nation that is more open and democratic. Sanger delves into the outcomes of such optimistic misjudgments, culminating in the inescapable acknowledgment of China's heightened boldness under Xi Jinping's rule.

The hope that China will adopt democratic principles and liberal values.

After President Nixon's historic visit to China in 1972, U.S. foreign policy experts largely agreed that encouraging China's economic development and integration into global institutions would also promote progress in political liberalization. Engagement with China was widely believed to not only unlock substantial commercial opportunities but also to create a more secure atmosphere, reducing the chances of future clashes. A succession of events appeared to bolster the notion that China's trajectory was becoming more closely intertwined with Western interests, underscoring the rationale behind diplomatic engagement.

Incorporating China within the worldwide trade structure...

New Cold Wars Summary The intricacies of international power relations are clear in a realm marked by multiple centers of influence.

This part of "New Cold Wars" seeks to outline the changing landscape of current global politics. Sanger argues that the United States is currently confronting multiple crises at once, which makes the traditional Cold War framework—with its clear divisions, two dominant powers vying for global dominance, and the expectation of a decisive victory for one side—obsolete.

Managing Multiple Geopolitical Crises Simultaneously

The United States is embroiled in a complex web of global conflicts, collectively known as the "New Cold Wars," which, despite seeming unrelated, are deeply interconnected. The author calls for a reassessment of the United States' strategy in foreign affairs, considering the intricate difficulties presented by a world in which traditional zones of control are becoming indistinct and where domestic political conflicts increasingly intersect with worldwide strains.

The United States' reduced stature after pulling out of Afghanistan.

The advisors responsible for national security during President Biden's tenure encountered a multitude of difficulties, and the precipitous withdrawal of the United States from Afghanistan tarnished its international...