Rumer would argue that reducing Putin's actions to mere desire for invasion and control oversimplifies Russia's strategic calculus. Instead, he would frame it as:
- A cycle of action and reaction, because Russian aggression is often a response to perceived threats, but it reinforces the very insecurity it seeks to avoid.
- A call for nuanced policy, as the West must deter Russian aggression while addressing legitimate security concerns through diplomacy and arms control.
He would argue that Putin's insistence on non-NATO neighbors is driven by deep-seated strategic culture and historical trauma, but it cannot justify violating sovereignty. A sustainable solution would require balancing deterrence with engagement to break the cycle of conflict