Ukraine and NATO ’s Eastward Expansion Cover Image

ウクライナとNATOの東方拡大
Ukraine and NATO ’s Eastward Expansion

Author(s): Shinkichi Fujimori
Subject(s): Politics / Political Sciences
Published by: Slavic Research Center

Summary/Abstract: Ukraine draws attention from the international community because it is positioned between NATO and Russia. In 1999, the Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland were allowed to join NATO. Ukraine welcomed this accession as it would “strengthen security and stability in the European Continent.” It seems that Ukraine has consistently moved closer to West European organizations and Ukraine took advantage of this opportunity to significantly improve its relationship with the West. However, the fact is not as simple as described above. Ukraine once proposed its original security plan and denounced NATO’s PfP. Furthermore, Ukraine’s economy relies heavily on the Russian market and energy supplies. When Ukraine’s economy fails, there will be real danger that Ukraine involuntarily drifts eastward. In this paper, attention will be given to Ukraine’s unique security policy regarding NATO-Russian relations. In the first chapter, economic problem under which Ukraine has existed will be discussed. In the second chapter, attention will be given to Ukraine’s bridge diplomacy. Taking into account Ukraine’s economic constraint and neutral policy, the last chapter will discuss Ukraine’s policy towards NATO’s expansion.

  • Issue Year: 2000
  • Issue No: 47
  • Page Range: 301-325
  • Page Count: 25
  • Language: Japanese