What If?

What If? What if Russia had respected Ukraine’s independence and maturing democracy? What if Russia had encouraged Ukraine to remain neutral?  What if Russia had made cultural exchanges celebrating their shared histories?  What if death and destruction had not been rained down on Ukraine, and Russia had not become an outlaw nation?  Would Putin’s stature and Russia’s world standing be different now?

What if China refrains from bellicose threats against Taiwan?  Would China and Taiwan become cousins, first cousins, rejoicing in family reunions and strengthening ties between the two?  Would Xi be hailed as a wise leader exemplifying Confucian heritage?  Would China become America’s fierce but friendly competitor and not its enemy competitor?

What if?