Michael McFaul
Michael McFaul

@McFaul

7 Tweets Jan 18, 2023
On whether we should give Putin what he wants, I think this American grand strategist has written something wise. THREAD/1
"Appeasement contradicts the dictates of offensive realism and therefore it is a fanciful and dangerous strategy. It is unlikely to transform a dangerous foe into a kinder gentler opponent much less a peace loving state." 2/
"Indeed, appeasement is likely to whet not shrink and aggressors appetite for conquest.โ€ 3/
โ€œBecause great powers are programmed for offense, and appease state is likely to interpret any power concession by another state as a sign of weakness -- " 4/
"as evidence that the appeaser is unwilling to defend the balance of power the appeased state is then likely to continue pushing for more concessions.โ€ 5/
โ€œFurthermore, the appeased stateโ€™s capability to gain even more power would be enhanced --probably substantially -- by the additional power it was granted by the appeaser. In short, appeasement is likely to make a dangerous rival more, not less, dangerous.โ€ 6/
John Mearsheimer, The Tragedy of Great Power Politics, 2014, page 164. END THREAD 7/.

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