David Marshall

(3/2022) Since the end of World War II and the beginning of the Cold War there has always been an overwhelming sense of mutual distrust and hostility between the United States and the former Soviet Union. From that period of time, the president of the United States took on the title as "leader of the free world". The term free world distinguishes the United States and Western European countries from communist Soviet Union and its allies. But the "leader of the free world" also refers to the United States as a nation along with its ideals, values and vision for democracy for which it believes.

Democracy is a vision which reflects equality among all, freedom of speech, freedom of religion and the right to pursue happiness. Leadership depends on the ability to make people want to be part of the vision. The key to mobilizing others is inspiration. If you can inspire, then you can mobilize. This is true leadership, whether it is from a person or a nation. In the 1980’s, Ronald Reagan inspired the American people with a message of optimism.

Barack Obama would later do it with a message of hope. Leaders who cannot inspire others often resort to manipulation. Whenever you manipulate people, you are no longer a true leader – you have become a dictator. With Russia invading Ukraine in order to "keep the peace", the world has just seen a dictator in action. One day after Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered troops into separatist-held parts of eastern Ukraine, the Ukrainian Minister of Foreign Affairs was straight forward about Russia’s long-term objective. "His ultimate goal is to destroy Ukraine. He’s not interested in parts of Ukraine. He is not interested in even keeping the entire country under his control," Kubela said of Putin. Putin "wants the idea of Ukrainian statehood to fail. This is his objective."

Vladimir Putin is scared to death of democracy. He hates the fact that NATO was founded to provide defense of democracies on both sides of the Atlantic and provide an effective opposition to any power that seeks to dominate Europe. As with any dictator, there is always propaganda and misinformation. Putin forcefully asserts that NATO captured post-communist nations and threatened Russia’s borders. This is far from the truth. NATO’s expansion over the past 20 years was a voluntary process initiated by each aspirant nation.

It’s military position and force is neither a threat to Russian statehood nor a danger to its territorial integrity. Putin’s true fears about NATO is not centered on any expected military aggression from the West, but rather the optimism and hope which democracy offers. The Soviet Union collapsed in 1991 and left in its place 15 independent states. Putin has a personal goal of restoring Russia’s level of power and reining in those nations who previously turned away from Moscow. These goals become more difficult when former Soviet republics like Ukraine and members of the former Warsaw Pact aspire to become free democracies. Putin has demanded that NATO not expand to Ukraine or any former Soviet states.

As with any dictator, there is always fear and intimidation. Unlike NATO and the European Union (EU), Russia’s alliances are not on a voluntary basis but consist of nations trapped in a relationship based on blackmail, bribery, terror and threats. In seeking genuine national independence from Moscow, several nations have turned to the West. The Ukrainian Parliament adopted legislation in 2017 reinstating NATO membership as the country’s objective, with amendments later added to the Constitution. Time is running out with Ukraine moving closer to the West and away from Russia.

If Ukraine successfully transforms into a democratic, unified and prosperous state that achieves EU accession along with NATO membership, the credibility of Russia’s ruling dictatorship would be on the line. Having an independent, democratic, economically stable and internationally integrated Ukraine symbolizes everything that threatens Putin’s hold on power. This type of Ukrainian model would expose the Russian model as a failure. It would inspire other regions including Russia’s citizens to seek greater control over their own destiny by opposing the current regime in Moscow. Putin and those who support him knows this as a very real threat. Leaders inspire and dictators intimidate.

What is happening in Ukraine is not only about Ukraine. America as leader of the free world is being challenged. If the West fails in Ukraine, is it hard to believe that Putin’s next target could be a NATO member? The United States, as a leader, has the added responsibility during any major international crisis to actually lead. "Politics stops at the water’s edge" suggests that American politicians should always present a united front to other countries despite internal disagreements at home. It was first suggested by Republican Senator Arthur Vandenberg and was widely adopted under the Truman administration.

Vandenberg was recognized for abandoning his isolationist views of American foreign policy in favor of a more international view. As a result, he worked in a bipartisan manner in building support for things such as the creation of NATO. He was a true patriot. The Ukraine crisis requires a united front with our allies in showing that the West is willing to defend what it stands for. Russia will do anything possible to undermine unity among NATO members. But the united front on the international stage should never be undermined internally here at home by attempting to score political points.

There are pro-Russian Americans who have no problem repeating Vladmir Putin’s talking points in justifying aggression against Ukraine. There are those who will gladly argue the case against providing aid to Ukraine. Former President Donald Trump often spoke fondly of the Russian President even when it was not in the best interest of the western alliance. He went as far as to describe Putin’s justification for invading Ukraine as "savvy" and "genius". As a result, we have Americans who are pro-Russian out of loyalty to the former president.

Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri criticized President Joe Biden for ordering troops to Europe as Russia prepared for the invasion of Ukraine. He also called for the U.S. to block Ukraine from joining NATO. The Russian dictator, without a doubt, would be pleased by the senator’s remarks. Fortunately, most Americans don’t like bullies, foreign or domestic. To be pro-Russian is to be anti-democracy. Eventually, Putin may be unpleasantly surprised by the resolve shown by people worldwide who believe in democracy and don’t want to lose it.

David W. Marshall is author of the book "God Bless Our Divided America" and member of Country First. Country First is focused on recognizing that Republicans, Democrats or Independents don’t have to be enemies just because they have different experiences and perspectives. To learn more about Country First visit www.country1st.com