> unless we think that it's reasonable for Russia to dictate to other countries which alliances to form and what kind of politics to pursue If by "we" you mean

> unless we think that it's reasonable for Russia to dictate to other countries which alliances to form and what kind of politics to pursue If by "we" you mean the US, then absolutely, that's what "we" think—hence the crippling sanctions on Venezuela and Cuba in our own sphere of influence for exactly the same reasons. All great powers do this—US, Russia, China today—and always have.