In the immediate days following the collapse of the Soviet Union, Russia and the United States enjoyed a honeymoon period. The Charter for American-Russian Partnership and Friendship signed by the two sides in 1992 said “the well-being, prosperity, and security of a democratic Russian Federation and the United States of America are vitally interrelated.” However, things changed when Washington failed to provide Kremlin with the promised economic aid and NATO expanded despite Washington’s promise that the bloc would move “not one inch eastward.” This was unacceptable to Russia, and the ensuing deterioration of Moscow-Washington ties was only natural.
Deep down, America had never intended to treat Russia with respect even though Western-style democratic elections took place in the country. Ideology is just an instrument to intervene.
For Beijing, Washington’s condescending diplomacy is unacceptable. If Washington truly wants a workable relationship with China, it should treat China as an equal partner and show due respect.
