In 1991, eleven countries including Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine signed the Alma-Ata Protocol in the capital of Kazakhstan, Almaty, announcing the dissolution of the Soviet Union.
As the largest successor state of the Soviet Union, Russia began to fully embrace Western countries and implemented a series of economic and political reforms.
Economically, Russia adopted Western-style shock therapy, striving to revitalize the economy through rapid market reforms.
The government encouraged the development of a free economy, attempting to break away from the constraints of the previous planned economy.
Militarily, Russia actively strengthened cooperation with NATO, even applying to join NATO four times.
Although NATO did not agree to Russia's membership, it once regarded Russia as an important partner.
Politically, the G7 countries included Russia in the G8, making it a member of the group.
In 1993, Russia applied to join the World Trade Organization (WTO) and, after years of effort, finally became a full member in 2012.
Despite Russia's tremendous efforts to integrate into the Western system, it has always faced rejection.
Why do Western countries hold such strong suspicions towards Russia?
Firstly, Russia inherited most of the Soviet Union's territory.
At its peak, the Soviet Union's territory covered 22.4 million square kilometers, of which Russia inherited 17.09 million square kilometers.
Additionally, Russia also controls the territory of some neighboring countries.
In contrast, traditional developed countries such as France, the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, and Japan are much smaller in size.
This vast territory makes Western countries uneasy.
Secondly, Russia inherited a large portion of the Soviet Union's arsenal.
At its peak, the Soviet Union had 10,000 nuclear weapons, most of which were inherited by Russia.
Currently, Russia still possesses about 5,955 nuclear weapons, second only to the United States, which has 5,055.
The number of nuclear weapons held by France and the United Kingdom is far less than that of Russia. This nuclear arsenal and Russia's military capabilities make Western countries anxious, even though Russia has engaged in nuclear disarmament negotiations with the United States, its military threat remains.
Thirdly, the fear of the Soviet Union still lingers in Western countries.
During the Cold War, the Soviet Union deployed large numbers of troops and weapons in Eastern Europe, posing a significant threat to Western countries.
Although the Soviet Union has dissolved, Russia still retains a large amount of military equipment, especially tank units, which makes Western countries wary.
Fourthly, cultural and religious differences are also important factors. Western countries predominantly follow Catholicism and Protestantism, while Russia follows Eastern Orthodoxy.
Western countries have long perceived Russian culture as relatively backward and have a historical record of violent expansion.
From the 10th century Grand Duchy of Moscow, to the defeat of the Mongol Golden Horde in the 15th century, to the expansion into Siberia and Central Asia in the 16th century, Russia's expansionist history makes Western countries cautious.
Even after the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Russia continued its expansionist policies.
In 1992, Russia sent troops to Transnistria in Moldova;
In 2008, it sent troops to control Abkhazia and South Ossetia;
In 2014, it sent troops to Crimea;
In 2022, it sent troops to the four eastern provinces of Ukraine.
These actions have further heightened Western countries' vigilance and sanctions against Russia.
Despite Russia's efforts to integrate into the Western system after the dissolution of the Soviet Union, it has never fully gained the trust of Western countries due to its vast geographic and military legacy, historical expansionist actions, and cultural and religious differences.
The Western suspicion towards Russia stems not only from the historical shadow of the Cold War but also from Russia's series of military actions and expansionist policies on the international stage.
In this context, the relationship between Russia and Western countries remains challenging and complex.
Looking ahead, if Russia wishes to gain more recognition and cooperation on the international stage, it may need to make more adjustments and efforts in its domestic and foreign policies to break the existing barriers and misunderstandings.
In any case, the development of relations between Russia and Western countries remains an important topic worthy of continuous attention.
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