If two words could summarize Dr. Sofka’s SSV talk, they would be “History Matters”. His dynamic presentation centered on how post-Cold War unresolved issues have led to several of today’s problems in Ukraine, France, and Russia.

There was no settlement signed at the end of the Cold War so the underlying perspective of 4 countries had different visions of what post war Europe should look like. These countries were France, Germany, Russia and United States. France wanted “more Europe” with a strong France which led to the formation of the EU, a common currency and formation of a central bank. It wanted a western dominance over eastern countries and had less interest in unification of Germany. This sentiment alienated the populist parties. Germany, on the other hand, wanted the wall to come down and the country reunited, which was accomplished within a year. Strong national economic growth was a major goal. Thus, getting along with Russia was important because it had good infrastructure and cheap labor. The value of eastern European countries was increasing. Germany wanted Russia and eastern European countries in the EU as there are no tariffs between EU countries and more Eastern European country members would increase German power. This approach did not set well with the French.

The United States has had no policy since 1990. Clinton and G. W. Bush were content to leave Europe alone. They were willing to enlarge NATO and did not necessarily like but tolerated Russia as it was weak at that time. Also, the mission of NATO was one of a defense alliance against attacks. The bombing of Yugoslavia over human rights violations complicated this. Finally, Russia wanted to relitigate the 1990s plan because Putin thought it was unfair. He felt he got no respect and that France, Germany and the US were against him. He wanted a land connection between Russia and the Black Sea through Ukraine, did not want Ukraine to be admitted to NATO and more Eastern European members invited to join NATO.

In summary, the unintended consequences of these positions have led to the Ukraine War, Brexit, a wealthy Germany having to bailout Greece and France becoming weaker and Germany stronger.