Russia's Renewed Power and Influence

Putin is encouraging patriotism, nationalism, and xenophobia in the minds of Russian citizens in order to build his own "Novorossiya" (New Russia). His plan is to reclaim territories from the former Soviet Union, and rebuild a stronger, greater Russia. The term "Novorossiya" was last used prior to Putin in the late 18th to 19th century to describe the northern Baltic States. Putin claims that these areas, as well as Ukraine, are still a part of Russia because of the large role they played in Russia's history. Putin believes it to be his own national duty to reclaim these territories as a part of his motherland.

After WWII, Russia's approval, along with those of England and France, were needed in order to reunify Germany. Russia granted their approval so long as the U.S would not move NATO troupes further into Eastern Europe towards Russia and ex-Soveit Nations. NATO continued to advance East and had declared that Georgia would be joining the organization. NATO was then headed for Ukraine. The purpose of Russia's assault on Ukraine and annexation of Crimea was to show their resistance towards the United States and NATO.

While America is focusing on Russia and their threat to the Western World, Russia is fighting against ISIS, rebels, and other terrorist organizations in the Middle-East. It would be far more beneficial for America, Canada and much of the Western World to have Russia, such a large military power, as an ally rather than an enemy.

If the U.S and NATO are what caused this issue with Russia then a logical solution would be for NATO to move away from the Russian boarders. Russia is improving their military defence for this exact reason. The amount of money spent on new military machinery in Russia is higher than that of the U.S. If Russia is not in need of "defence" then they would decrease their military budget. This would insure a higher level of safety and security for other nations as well as NATO and the U.S and it would also be beneficial to Russia's economic crash.