The differences between Eastern and Western cultures have been of great concern since ancient times, and some people have described them as: "The East, represented by China, has always pursued great unification, focusing on unity and communion; The West, on the other hand, has continued in the long course of history, gradually subdividing from Rome until the modern world becomes a plate of scattered sand.
Although this statement does not comprehensively summarize the differences between Eastern and Western civilizations, it is consistent with the trend of the historical development of the two.
The European mentality was deeply entrenched, with the Roman Empire divided into East and West Rome, which was further divided into multiple nation-states in the Middle Ages.
Even after the modern Industrial Revolution, European countries were divided within each country, eager for each nation to demarcate its borders and return to the era of the city-state. In the Balkans, the question of ethnic groups in Europe is the most complex, and the various ethnic groups have always gone their own way.
Kosovo, a small country with a population of just over 1.5 million, is only the size of a prefecture-level city compared to China. However, at the end of the 90s, Kosovo's independence caused unease throughout Europe, not only the European Union often held emergency meetings, but even the five permanent members of the United Nations were also circling around Kosovo, and its impact was not unstaggering.
In the Kosovo War that broke out in 1999, NATO won the victory, further weakening the power of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, and the United States also took this opportunity to assert its position in Europe.
For Russia, however, the Kosovo war was a profound humiliation, especially for the Russians and the entire Slavic nation. Russia was insulted by the United States in this war, and even Yeltsin, who felt deeply humiliated, finally resigned from his position.
So, what is the importance of this small piece of land in Kosovo, and why is it able to gather the concerns of the whole of Europe?
Why did Russia not dare to intervene in the Kosovo war at that time? After Yeltsin***, what expectations did he have for Putin, who was newly in power at that time?
Before the Kosovo War, the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia was composed of a series of small countries, which had already had you and me and I had you during the reunification period, and then there were many civil wars.
The Kosovo independence movement broke out in 1999, and the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia sent troops into Kosovo, triggering a conflict with NATO. At this critical moment, Russia did not provide substantial support and did not even send a single bullet to the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.
Yeltsin's reaction has caused criticism at home and abroad, but in hindsight, it may have been Yeltsin's wise move.
When the Kosovo War broke out, Russia was facing a war in Chechnya, a key battle to determine the direction of the region, and Russia did not have enough strength to open up another battlefield in Kosovo.
In addition, the United States pledged to lend $4 billion to the International Monetary Organization, which is vital for Russia, and Yeltsin did not dare to enter into a conflict with the United States at this time.
Before the Kosovo War, Russia and the United States had very close relations, and the two sides were "strategic partners" for a time.
However, on March 24, 1999, when the Kosovo War broke out, the United States did not notify Russia in advance. Yeltsin was furious at this feeling of being deceived by his "good friends." However, Yeltsin did not be liquidated after resigning from his position, but protected the rights and interests of his former family members through legal means.
On December 31, 1999, Yeltsin announced his resignation after delivering a New Year's message on television, handing over the post to Prime Minister Putin, who was only 40 years old at the time.
After Putin came to power, he changed Russia's national direction, adhered to an independent policy, and carried out a series of reforms. Over the course of 20 years, Putin has allowed Russia to gradually rise and regain its position as the world's hegemon.