Why Russia always opposed West policies

 Russia's consistent opposition to many Western policies stems from a complex interplay of historical grievances, deep-seated geopolitical anxieties, a distinct understanding of national interests, and a divergent ideological outlook. This isn't merely a reactive stance but a foundational element of Russia's foreign policy, shaped by centuries of interactions with European powers and a post-Soviet search for identity and influence.

Historically, Russia has harbored a profound sense of insecurity regarding its western borders. From the Mongol invasions to Napoleon's campaign and Nazi Germany's invasion, the notion of external threats emanating from the West has been ingrained in Russian strategic thought. This historical vulnerability has fostered a desire for buffer zones, a robust military, and a foreign policy aimed at preventing hostile alliances from forming on its periphery. The eastward expansion of NATO since the end of the Cold War, despite Western assurances, has been consistently viewed by Moscow as an existential threat, infringing upon its traditional sphere of influence and undermining its security. Russia sees this as a direct challenge to its "red lines" and a betrayal of promises made during the dissolution of the Soviet Union.

Geopolitically, Russia sees itself as a great power with unique civilizational characteristics and a legitimate claim to a multipolar world order. Western policies, particularly those led by the United States, are often perceived as attempts to establish a unipolar world dominated by liberal democratic values and institutions. Russia views this as an infringement on its sovereignty and a denial of its historical and cultural distinctiveness. Moscow seeks to regain its standing on the global stage, challenge what it perceives as Western hegemony, and assert its influence in regions it considers strategically vital, particularly the post-Soviet space. The conflicts in Georgia (2008) and Ukraine (2014, and the full-scale invasion in 2022) are prime examples of Russia's willingness to use force to prevent what it sees as Western encroachment into its immediate neighborhood.

Furthermore, Russia's interpretation of international law and norms often clashes with that of the West. While Western powers frequently invoke humanitarian intervention and the responsibility to protect, Russia emphasizes state sovereignty and non-interference in internal affairs. Moscow often criticizes what it views as Western double standards, pointing to interventions in Iraq, Libya, or Kosovo as precedents that justify its own actions. This divergence in legal and ethical frameworks contributes to a fundamental disagreement on the legitimacy of certain international actions and underscores Russia's desire for a global system where its voice carries equal weight.

Ideologically, there is a growing divergence between Russia's conservative, traditional values and the liberal values espoused by many Western nations. The Russian government often portrays itself as a defender of traditional family values and national sovereignty against what it describes as the moral decay and globalist agenda of the West. This narrative is used to consolidate domestic support and to present Russia as an alternative model for other countries, particularly in the Global South. This ideological divide fuels a sense of cultural opposition and reinforces the perception that Western policies are not only geopolitically threatening but also culturally corrosive.

Finally, economic factors also play a role. Russia's economy is heavily reliant on natural resources, particularly oil and gas. Western sanctions, imposed in response to actions in Ukraine and other perceived transgressions, are seen by Russia as an attempt to undermine its economic stability and weaken its geopolitical leverage. This has pushed Russia to diversify its economic partnerships and forge closer ties with non-Western powers like China and India, further solidifying its "anti-Western" orientation.

In essence, Russia's consistent opposition to Western policies is driven by a profound sense of historical grievance, a strategic desire to prevent encirclement and maintain a sphere of influence, a distinct understanding of international norms, and an ideological commitment to a multipolar world where its values and interests are respected. This complex tapestry of motivations ensures that Russia will continue to be a challenging actor for the West, pursuing a foreign policy that prioritizes its own perceived security and national greatness.