Theoretically, that objective could be achieved either by enticing Russia away from China (divide and subordinate) or totally neutralizing Russia as a world power by bringing down its stiff-backed leadership. The former approach never went beyond a few desultory, feeble gestures. All the chips were placed on the latter.

Crazy how eager Russia was to just join the bad guys. It really is a show of US arrogance that they didn't leap on that opportunity, and demand nothing short of total prostration.

And, yes, USA is collectively unhinged. Deeply, subtly. Sometimes not so subtly.