Russia tests the West’s resolve

IT MAY not be Cold War 2.0, but Russia’s aggression in Ukraine has clearly transformed the global system. It has revitalised the Western alliance and forced it to gather its diplomatic, military and economic power in response to the most serious threat to international order and peace since the end of the Cold War.

Indeed, the West has demonstrated a remarkable sense of unity in the face of Russia’s attack on Ukraine, reacting swiftly and effectively to what Russian president Vladimir Putin had expected to be a walk in the park.

In addition to inflicting enormous economic pain on Russia through targeted and punishing sanctions, the United States and its North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) allies have provided military assistance to Ukraine that has contributed to its success thus far in defending its capital Kiev and in pushing back Russian troops from other areas.