So that is a completely different question than if Russian global power and influence was rising prior to the war, which I was arguing against.
It is possible that Russia could have gone a different way.
Japan, Korea, and Germany all gave up significant autonomy by falling into the US alliance, but also reaped significant rewards.
I think it is debatable if the west would want Russia in alliance.
I think the really interesting question is what a country like Russia or China would have to give up to be on good terms with the US.
For one, I think they would have to give up any ability to militarily defend themselves against the US. They would also probably have to give up any allies that the US doesn't approve of. Last, they would probably have to share control over any countries are territories currently in their sphere of influence with the West.
It is possible that Russia could have gone a different way.
Japan, Korea, and Germany all gave up significant autonomy by falling into the US alliance, but also reaped significant rewards.
I think it is debatable if the west would want Russia in alliance.
I think the really interesting question is what a country like Russia or China would have to give up to be on good terms with the US.
For one, I think they would have to give up any ability to militarily defend themselves against the US. They would also probably have to give up any allies that the US doesn't approve of. Last, they would probably have to share control over any countries are territories currently in their sphere of influence with the West.