The United States' $113 billion uni-party proxy war in Ukraine has become increasingly suspicious as Moscow accuses Washington of orchestrating a drone attack on the Kremlin and reserves the right to take necessary "countermeasures" for brokering peace. The U.S.'s fixation on Russia dates back decades; however, its interest in rooting out communism has been lukewarm at best.
Following the 1917 Bolshevik Revolution, many distinguished voices warned against Soviet influence but were repeatedly sidelined. In 1947, diplomat George Kennan outlined the now-famous containment doctrine which aimed to restrict Soviet expansion without resorting to military force. Earlier in 1939, prominent journalists and academics from institutions such as The New Republic, The New Yorker, Harvard, Columbia Yale and Stanford signed an open letter urging closer cooperation with the Soviet Union. They praised its protection of civil liberties and commitment to "a peaceful international order."
Despite these efforts by intellectuals to promote understanding between nations during that period, it is noteworthy how much they glorified Soviet socialism while glossing over Stalin's atrocities. In response to concerns about subversion within America itself – especially amid growing Communist sympathies – Vice President John Nance Garner asked Democratic Representative Martin Dies in 1938 to chair the House UnAmerican Activities Committee (HUAC) responsible for investigating any disloyal behavior or activities.
Fast forward several decades later: questions surrounding U.S.'s involvement in conflicts like Ukraine continue arising among geopolitical analysts and critics alike who suggest that this may be more than just a continuation of old policies driven by anti-communist sentiments.
"We've seen countless examples throughout history where American policy was influenced heavily by ideological differences," says Dr. Susan Fletcher-Gateson from Georgetown University's School of Foreign Service.
However today many argue that there is more at stake than simple ideological rivalries. Recent accusations from Moscow regarding the alleged U.S.-orchestrated drone attack on the Kremlin underscore the complexity of modern geopolitical tensions, which go beyond mere containment strategies.
"It's essential to recognize that we live in a new world with multifaceted challenges," says Dr. Fletcher-Gateson. "Nations must adapt their foreign policies accordingly and be prepared to work together on common threats rather than perpetuating proxy wars or other indirect conflicts."
As this $113 billion flailing proxy war in Ukraine continues generating controversy and raising more questions about its underlying motivations, it is becoming increasingly apparent that Washington needs to reassess its approach toward Moscow – and perhaps reconsider whether these longstanding tactics are still appropriate for fostering global stability and peace.