Putin’s Imperial Ambitions: A Relic of the 18th Century That Cannot Stand Today

In the 18th century and earlier, the concept of national sovereignty as we understand it today didn’t exist. Aggression to seize land, enslave populations, and plunder wealth was not just common—it was the norm. Empires rose and fell through conquest, often at the cost of unimaginable human suffering. It was a brutal and chaotic time when might made right, and the ambitions of a single autocrat could reshape entire regions. 

Fast forward to today, and the world has fundamentally changed—or at least, it should have. International law, respect for sovereignty, and global cooperation are supposed to guide how nations interact. Yet, some leaders—like Vladimir Putin—seem to be living in the past, determined to drag the world back into an era of unchecked conquest. 

Putin’s Imperial Fantasy 

Putin is bold in his pursuit of a legacy that he hopes will rival the czars of old. At 72 years old, he knows his time is limited, and his vision of reassembling the Russian Empire must happen quickly. His invasion of Ukraine is not just a violation of international law—it’s a calculated attempt to expand his control, seize resources, and rewrite the borders of Europe to suit his vision of Russian dominance. 

This isn’t just about Ukraine. Putin’s aggression sends a message to the world: Might makes right. Sovereignty can be ignored. Democracy and freedom are secondary to empire-building. 

This cannot stand. 

The Cost of Inaction 

History has shown us the dangers of appeasing aggressors. When the world turns a blind eye to land grabs and violations of sovereignty, it emboldens the aggressor and invites further chaos. Putin’s invasion of Ukraine is not an isolated incident—it’s a test of the world’s resolve. If we fail to stop him now, what’s to prevent him—or other autocrats like him—from targeting the next vulnerable nation? 

The stakes are clear: allowing Putin to succeed in Ukraine would not only destroy the lives of millions of Ukrainians but also weaken the global order that protects all nations from the horrors of conquest and war. 

The Role of the United States 

As the strongest economic and military power in the world, the United States has a unique responsibility to lead. That doesn’t mean sending American troops to Ukraine—it means equipping Ukraine with every non-nuclear weapon in our arsenal. It means rallying our allies and encouraging every free nation to contribute to Ukraine’s defense. 

The people of Ukraine have shown extraordinary courage and determination in defending their homeland. They aren’t asking us to fight their battles for them—they’re asking for the tools to fight and win on their own. It’s a small price to pay to stop a dangerous autocrat from dragging the world into a new era of empire-building by conquest. 

A Call to Action 

This is not just Ukraine’s fight—it’s a fight for the principles that underpin a civilized and peaceful world. The idea that borders cannot be redrawn by force. The belief that people have a right to live free from oppression. The conviction that the world’s strongest nations have a duty to stand against aggression, not tolerate it. 

Putin’s actions are a relic of a time we should have left behind long ago. If we allow his imperial ambitions to go unchecked, we risk normalizing conquest and opening the door to a more violent, unstable future. 

This is a defining moment for the United States and the world. Let’s ensure that the tools of tyranny—land grabs, conquest, and the destruction of sovereign nations—remain buried in the past. Together, we must send a clear message: Aggression will not be rewarded, and the free nations of the world will stand united against autocrats who seek to drag us backward. 

The people of Ukraine are counting on us. History is watching. Now is the time to act.