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"It is precisely this notion of great power equality that the American political establishment never accepted, as is clear (among other things) from both Kennan’s initial concept of containment and the current attempts to revive it."

Yes. So brief but this little article beautifully sums up the underlying dilemma.

For my taste, it would have been even more effective to simply end after the reversed Kennan quote.

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I really enjoyed reading this essay. It was brief but the author brilliantly made his point by using the Kennan quote in the second paragraph and ending is essay by employing that same quote to demonstrate how Russian leaders might currently perceive the USA. Very clever!

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To its own detriment, and that of the world, the US cannot get over that its unipolar moment has passed. Besides the Kennan statement quoted in Mr. Taki's short but pointed essay, these sentiments vis-a-vis Russia remain in the philosophy and actions of the establishment powers, particularly the neocons. Professor Stephen F. Cohen used to state that his new Cold War 2.0 is more dangerous than the previous Cold War because it is taking place right on Russia's borders. Unless our leaders rethink what is currently underpinning their beliefs and strategy, we are in for "a vale of tears".

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