Michele Dunne, Robert Kagan
{
"authors": [
"Robert Kagan"
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"centerAffiliationAll": "dc",
"centers": [
"Carnegie Endowment for International Peace"
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"primaryCenter": "Carnegie Endowment for International Peace",
"programAffiliation": "russia",
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}Source: Getty
Russia May Be Trying to Flex Muscles
Russia’s use of military power to obtain geopolitical objectives in Georgia is reminiscent of strategy pursued by 19th century superpowers to gain resources and power on the international stage. The West must make it clear to Russia that their long-term relationships are at stake if the country does not withdraw its military.
Source: NPR's All Things Considered

Kagan urges the U.S. and other Western powers to make explicit their disapproval of Russian actions. He recommends threats of sanctions, including expelling Russia from international organizations and partnerships. A strong stance is needed not only to halt current conflict in Georgia, but also to demonstrate to Russia that it cannot act with impunity in any of the former Soviet states.
About the Author
Former Senior Associate
Kagan, author of the recent book, The Return of History and the End of Dreams (Knopf 2008), writes a monthly column on world affairs for the Washington Post and is a contributing editor at both the Weekly Standard and the New Republic.
- Why Egypt Has To Be The U.S. Priority In The Middle EastIn The Media
- U.S. Policy Toward Egypt—A Primer on the Upcoming ElectionsCommentary
Robert Kagan, Michele Dunne
Recent Work
Carnegie does not take institutional positions on public policy issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of Carnegie, its staff, or its trustees.
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