The value of NATO seems self-evident, no war in Europe involving NATO members.
There are many factors that led to WW2, but the crushing terms of the treaty of Versailles led to the rise of Hitler. U.S. President, Democrat Woodrow Wilson, tried to modify the treaty with his 14 Points plan, but only partially succeeded. Anytime there are major changes, there are almost always unintended/unforeseen consequences. Ask they say, the road to hell is paved with good intentions.
The only good thing that Russia ever did for the U.S. was to sell us Alaska. Imperial Russia was an oppresive monarchy before the 1917 Revolution. The USSR was an oppressive communist dictatorship until it imploded. If Putin wants to recreate the borders of the former USSR, he is going to face some push back from some of the now independent republics.
An objective assessment of the current state and form of Russian society would be very useful to these conversations. If anyone can point me to a few credible analyses, I'd be grateful.
