The ongoing deterioration of relations between Russia and the Western powers can be attributed to relatively simple reasons when reviewing history:
1. Russia has always considered itself part of the Western countries, whether during the era of the Russian Empire or the Soviet Union.
However, Europe has always been reserved about this, leading to hostile and defensive sentiments between them. Throughout history, Russia has sought recognition and cooperation with Western countries but has encountered various challenges and obstacles, resulting in a tense relationship.
2. After the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Russia sought to join the Western camp, and even when Putin came to power, attempts were made to establish positive relations with the Western countries.
However, the Western countries were not willing to accommodate Russia, which made Russia realize the complexity of the situation.
The contrast between Russia's pursuit of the West and the West's rejection intensified the contradictions between the two sides.
3. With the disappearance of the Soviet threat, NATO, as its "enforcer," lost its reason for existence without an adversary.
The United States decided to regard Russia as a "target" and positioned it as a security threat to the Western world. As a result, NATO not only continued to exist but also expanded under this pretext, squeezing Russia's strategic space.
Russia felt pressure and hostility from NATO, deepening its distrust and hostility towards the West.
4. The European theater has been a witness to the rise and fall of Europe, with Russia generally benefiting from the European theater.
The European theater propelled the Industrial Revolution, which in turn promoted technological progress.
Technological progress furthered European colonialism, which accelerated Europe's prosperity.
Therefore, the contradiction between Russia and Western countries is essentially a struggle for influence in Europe.
Russia believes that its position and influence in Europe are challenged and suppressed by Western countries, leading to the deterioration of relations between the two sides.
5. In today's international relations, competition and conflict are constantly intensifying, and the relationship between Russia and the Western powers is no exception.
Political, economic, and military contradictions are intertwined, making relations extremely tense.
Differences in ideology, interests, and geopolitical struggles have become important reasons for the tense relations between Russia and the Western powers.
In summary, the deterioration of relations between Russia and the Western powers is not only due to historical legacy issues but also influenced by the current international situation and power dynamics.
The differences and contradictions between the two sides need to be resolved through dialogue and negotiation to promote the improvement and development of their relationship.
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