One leader supports peace and stability. The other thrives on violence and wages imperial wars.
One believes nation-state sovereignty is inviolable. The other endorses the divine right of intervention.
One affirms UN Charter and other rule of law principles. The other discards them as quaint, old fashioned, and obstacles to achieving global dominance.
Expect these doctrines to clash.
Under Putin, Russia is back proud and reassertive. He's not about to roll over for America, Eurasian issues especially concern him. He wants Moscow's influenced increased, national sovereignty respected, and rule of law principles observed.
The 1648 Treaty of Westphalia established the principle of state sovereignty. It considered it immune from foreign interference or intervention.
During the 18th and 19th centuries, philosophers like Immanuel Kant said states, as well as individuals, should be subject to international law. Force by one nation against another should be prohibited.
His "Preliminary Articles" provided ways to prevent war. They included.....read more
http://warisacrime.org/content/opposing-doctrines-putin-v-obama
