Russia – EU (Non)Cooperation in Conflict Management
Russia – EU (Non)Cooperation in Conflict Management

Summary/Abstract: Recent developments in the Russian domestic politics and in its relations with the EU indicate that the prospects for specific cooperation in the area of conflict management are quite modest. There are several factors contributing to this matter. First of all, Russia would like to assert itself as regional power. For that purpose, the Kremlin needs the CIS, as the major area where Russia’s historical, cultural and political legacy may be fully exploited. Meanwhile, the enlargement of European and transatlantic institutions puts such Russian plans under a certain risk. Somehow, the EU and NATO are gradually squeezing Russia out of this area in their desire to increase their own influence and to preserve the European drift of the neighboring nations. In addition, it is clear that, unlike it is written in the EU Security Strategy, there is little field for Russia’s movement to the European values. Recent polls indicate that Russians are quite pragmatic in their approach towards the EU and their interests are more economic-oriented than value-oriented.

• Details
• Contents