After Crimea, a newfound equilibrium?

In the wake of the annexation of Crimea, many have raised the alarming spectre of possible further aggressive moves by Russia against not only eastern and southern Ukraine but also Transdniestria, the Caucasus and the Baltic countries. However, these concerns may misread and exaggerate Russia's true intentions. Vladimir Putin's underlying objectives could well be achieved without risk of a major conflagration.

Putin is typical of a younger generation who experienced the collapse of ...