The case for inviting Russia into NATO

In 1954, the USSR tried to join NATO: 

https://nationalinterest.org/blog/the-buzz/fact-russia-pitched-the-idea-joining-nato-1954-18737

They didn't expect the move to succeed, but considered it a success in that it forced NATO to admit it was anti-Soviet in nature. 

After the USSR collapsed in 1991, NATO lost its main reason for existing, so its new enemy became Russia. Thus, the overall military situation remained the same. 

If Russia were allowed to join, both NATO and Russia would effectively eliminate their main threats, thus allowing all NATO members to reduce their defense spending. This situation could be further improved by allowing countries like Serbia and Belarus to join the alliance. 

The inclusion of Russia would also put pressure on China and Iran to avoid conflict, as Russia would no longer need them for trade and diplomatic support. It would also prevent any further attempts by Russia to regain lost Soviet territory.

 

NATO already includes a number of countries that have or recently had authoritarian governments. This includes countries like Hungary, Romania, Greece, Turkey, and Spain. So letting Russia in would not be unprecedented. 

European leaders have long dreamed for greater Russian integration. The country has vast natural resources and human capital, but a serious shortage of foreign direct investment. 

The only people who benefit from the status quo are weapons manufacturers and careerist military officers. They ought to be doing something more constructive instead.