The geopolitical theory of “shatter belt” countries may help explain why Vladimir Putin sees Nato as a threat (Letters, March 15).
The shatter belt stretches from Finland in the north through the Baltics to the Balkans in the south. For centuries, these countries served as a buffer between Russia and western Europe; at any time the more powerful side controlled the shatter belt.
During Tsarist and Soviet times Russia held sway over most of Europe’s shatter belt. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, control switched from Russia to Nato countries and now Putin wants Russia to take back control. He claims Nato at his borders threatens Russia’s security but Nato’s mandate is not to invade Russia; it is to contain Russia’s expansionist ambitions.
If Russia tries to invade a Nato country, what President Donald Trump would do is a big known unknown.
I was born in Estonia in 1940 when Stalin annexed our country and today I’m afraid — very afraid.
Reiner Jaakson
Oakville, ON, Canada
