1st Edition

NATO-Russia Relations in the Twenty-First Century

Edited By Aurel Braun Copyright 2008
    220 Pages
    by Routledge

    218 Pages
    by Routledge

    Since the end of the Cold War NATO has redefined its raison d’etre, extending its membership, broadening its political goals and widening its zone of operation.  It has also sought to enhance its co-operation with Russia, for example through the NATO-Russia Council, though moves here have coincided with factors which make co-operation more difficult, such as growing uncertainty about the transition to democracy in Russia, a feeling among some people in Russia that NATO enlargement and the simultaneous diminution of Russia’s influence were related, and, more recently, Russia’s attempts to reassert its influence over its neighbouring states.  This book examines the current state of relations between NATO and Russia, examining a number of key areas, and assesses the prospects for future development.  It concludes that all parties have a powerful interest in building and maintaining security, and that the growth of the zone of democracy holds out the best hope for solving some of Russia’s most seminal security concerns.

    INTRODUCTION: Thinking About Security and Democracy - Aurel Braun

    SECTION I

    Chapter 1. Electing to Fight: Emerging Democracies and International Instability - Edward Mansfield and Jack Snyder

    Chapter 2. Post-Postcommunist Russia, the International Environment and NATO - Timothy J. Colton

    Chapter 3. Russia, NATO Enlargement, and the Strengthening of Democracy

    in the European Space - S. Neil MacFarlane

    SECTION II

    Chapter 4. Enlargement and the Perils of Containment - Aurel Braun

    Chapter 5. NATO Beyond Russia - Stanley R. Sloan

    Chapter 6. Russia and NATO Enlargement - Jeffrey Simon

    SECTION III

    Chapter 7. NATO, the European Union, Russia and the Fight Against Terrorism - Peter R. Neumann

    Chapter 8. Can Russia be a Partner for NATO in the Middle East? - Robert O. Freedman

    Chapter 9. Is East-West Integration Possible? - Stephen J. Blank

    Conclusion: Tendencies and Prospects for Security and Democracy - Aurel Braun

    About the Contributors

    Biography

    Aurel Braun is Professor of International Relations and Political Science at the University of Toronto. He has published extensively on communist affairs and strategic studies with a special focus on the problems of the transformation of the socialist systems in the former Soviet Union and in Eastern Europe. He is also a specialist in international law. He is the author and/or editor of several books, including Dilemmas of Transition; and The Extreme Right: Freedom and Security At Risk.

    "Braun does an excellent job of providing broad coverage of this relationship, and at the same time recognizes the ongoing debate over the most appropriate diplomatic approach for building a new partnership with Russia as it increasingly adopts undemocratic practices.  The book is also outstanding due to its wide coverage of NATO's evolution since September 11, as the alliance has taken on different missions and new partners and implemented a number of organizational reforms.  This volume will be very useful to undergraduates and experts alike." - R. C. Hendrickson, Eastern Illinois University