What’s the best fate for Ukraine? Think Austria.

The hard part might still be to come, however, because Putin could add further stress by actually invading Ukraine. Such an action — which some experts believe to be imminent — would most likely inflame tensions in Western countries between the rising tide of isolationists and the beleaguered ranks of internationalists. An inferno in Ukraine would strengthen the argument that says, “The world’s a mess, let’s go home.” Which is exactly what Putin wants the United States to do: pull back, stand down, go home.