[NATO’s goal is] to keep the Russians out, the Americans in, and the Germans down. Hastings Ismay, first NATO Secretary-General Of all the enemies to public liberty, war is perhaps the most to be dreaded because it comprises and develops the germ of every other. James Madison (1751-1836), fourth American President The hazards associated with American foreign policy since the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 should appear obvious to all, because it is precisely this policy that has caused the crisis in Ukraine with all its negative consequences for the coming months and years. President Barack Obama was candid in admitting it on March 3, 2014: “we are indicating to the Russians [that] if in fact they continue on the current trajectory they’re on, then we are examining a whole series of steps — economic, diplomatic— that will isolate Russia.”