For decades, Western leaders believed that diplomacy, economic engagement, and strategic restraint could curb Russian aggression. They were wrong.

In Lessons from The Folly of Realism, Tessa Belmont dissects the miscalculations, compromises, and naive optimism that allowed Russia to expand its influence unchecked—culminating in the brutal war against Ukraine. Building upon the urgent warnings outlined in The Folly of Realism by Alexander Vindman, this book reveals how the West’s failure to act decisively at key moments enabled Russian imperial ambitions and betrayed Ukraine’s fight for sovereignty.

With sharp analysis, historical insights, and a powerful critique of Western foreign policy, this book explores:

The fatal mistakes made in dealing with Russia after the Cold War.How hesitation and appeasement led to the annexation of Crimea and the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.The human cost of Western inaction—millions displaced, thousands killed, and a nation fighting for survival.The geopolitical consequences of allowing authoritarian regimes to rewrite borders by force.A new vision for Western foreign policy—one that prioritizes deterrence, democracy, and unwavering support for Ukraine.

This is not just a book about the past—it’s a wake-up call for the future. If the world fails to learn from its mistakes, Ukraine will not be the last nation to fall victim to unchecked aggression.

It’s time to stand firm. It’s time to act. It’s time to ensure that history does not repeat itself.

Get your copy today and join the fight for a safer, more just world.

Tessa Belmont

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