Rethinking America’s Approach to Russia: A Realpolitik Perspective

For decades, U.S.-Russia relations have been marred by mutual suspicion, ideological battles, and a series of provocative actions on both sides. The ongoing war in Ukraine, with its staggering human cost and potential for broader escalation, is but the latest example of a broken approach to diplomacy. The Center for Realpolitik and American Values (CRAV)believes it is time for America to adopt a more prudent, pragmatic strategy toward Russia—one that recognizes geopolitical realities, respects spheres of influence, and prioritizes the long-term stability of the global order.

Ending the Belligerent Rhetoric
The inflammatory rhetoric coming out of Washington, D.C., does little to advance peace or promote America’s national interests. Instead, it often serves as a smokescreen for ill-advised covert operations and regime change efforts spearheaded by the intelligence community and military-industrial complex. This hawkish posture has repeatedly led the U.S. into quagmires, from the Middle East to Ukraine, leaving devastation in its wake and eroding America’s moral authority on the world stage.

In the case of Ukraine, the U.S. has crossed lines that were bound to provoke a response from Moscow. By pushing NATO expansion right up to Russia’s borders and supporting regime changes that align with Western interests, the U.S. has ignored a fundamental truth of global politics: great powers will always act to secure their immediate spheres of influence. To expect otherwise is to ignore the lessons of history and the realities of international relations.

The Ukraine War: A Tragic and Predictable Conflict
The war in Ukraine is a human tragedy, with casualties on both sides approaching one million and the region plunged into economic and social ruin. Yet this war was not inevitable—it was provoked by decades of Western miscalculation. NATO’s expansion eastward, despite repeated warnings from Moscow, was a direct challenge to Russia’s sense of security. Imagine how the U.S. would react if China established military bases in Mexico or Canada. There is little doubt that such actions would be met with swift military intervention, regardless of the sovereignty of the smaller state.

Russia’s actions in Ukraine, while aggressive and condemnable, are rooted in its legitimate concerns over Western encroachment. The idea that America has a moral imperative to dictate the terms of governance and security in Eastern Europe is not only arrogant but also dangerously short-sighted. By ignoring Russia’s historical and strategic interests, the U.S. has set the stage for a conflict that could escalate beyond regional borders, threatening global stability.

Rejecting Dogma, Embracing Pragmatism
At CRAV, we advocate for a return to realism in American foreign policy—a recognition that global politics is governed by power dynamics, not idealistic notions of freedom and democracy. This is not to say that America should abandon its values, but rather that it must prioritize the pursuit of achievable outcomes over ideological crusades.

The U.S. should work toward de-escalation in Ukraine by acknowledging Russia’s security concerns and pursuing a negotiated settlement that balances the interests of all parties. This does not mean capitulating to Moscow, but it does require a willingness to compromise and an understanding that smaller states often exist within the gravitational pull of larger powers. Ukraine’s future lies not in perpetual war but in finding a path that respects its sovereignty while recognizing the geopolitical realities of its location.

The Danger of Escalation
President Biden’s decision to authorize advanced weaponry for strikes deep into Russian territory is a prime example of reckless escalation. Such actions risk dragging the U.S. into a broader conflict with a nuclear power, a scenario that would have catastrophic consequences for the entire world. This is not a game of moral superiority—it is a matter of survival.

Instead of fueling the flames of war, the U.S. should focus on leading international efforts to broker peace. This includes encouraging dialogue between Russia and Ukraine, easing sanctions in exchange for meaningful concessions, and working with European allies to create a security framework that addresses the concerns of all parties.

A Path to Stability
The path forward requires humility, restraint, and a commitment to realpolitik. The U.S. must abandon its dogmatic pursuit of regime change and instead focus on building a stable international order that respects the legitimate interests of all nations. By reducing its reliance on the military-industrial complex and reining in the influence of intelligence agencies, America can redirect its resources toward diplomacy, economic resilience, and addressing the root causes of global instability.

It is time for Washington to recognize that hostile relations with Russia are neither inevitable nor beneficial. A world in which the U.S. and Russia engage as competitors but not enemies is both possible and desirable. By adopting a pragmatic, measured approach, the U.S. can reduce tensions, prevent further bloodshed, and secure its own long-term interests while promoting global stability.

At CRAV, we believe that America’s strength lies not in its ability to dominate, but in its capacity to lead with wisdom and foresight. The time has come to replace hostility with pragmatism, and to build a foreign policy that reflects the realities of the modern world.