When I was reading the Huntington book, it occurred to me that Ukraine and Canada are extremely similar. Both were once part of a political entity that also included its larger neighbor; both have populations that use two languages, one of which is shared with the larger neighbor; both are large, geographically, and have vast natural resources; and both have plenty of culture in common with the larger neighbor. The difference, of course, is that America hasn’t invaded Canada since the War of 1812, while Russia is doing its thing in Ukraine today. Why?
It all comes down to the caprices of one man: Vladimir Putin. That proves individual agency is very much alive and well, even in the 21st century.