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Home / Ukraine / The power of inaction in Ukraine
Ukraine, Europe and Eurasia, Russia, Ukraine‑Russia

November 6, 2022

The power of inaction in Ukraine

By Erik Gartzke

Those in the West who worry that Vladimir Putin might use nuclear weapons should be conscious of one thing: Whatever one thinks is the risk of a nuclear nightmare in the coming weeks and months, it likely is less than it might have been. The United States and NATO practiced restraint, choosing to not put boots on the ground and instead to aid Ukraine in its war with Russia. The decision to pursue inaction eventually may prove to be one the most consequential, and fruitful, policy choices in recent decades. This decision also highlights the benefits of restraint in foreign policy.

Read at The Hill

Author

Photo of Erik Gartzke

Erik
Gartzke

Non-Resident Fellow

Defense Priorities

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