How do you solve a problem like Russia? NATO-Russia relations after Ukraine

NATO’s Warsaw Summit is, officially, not just about Russia. Except that it is still basically all about Russia. The deterioration of relations with Russia after the Ukraine crisis has posed difficult, even existential questions for the alliance. What is the nature of the Russian threat? What does Russia want? Is cooperation with Russia still possible?

The past is also under scrutiny. Some member states think that NATO enlargement was a reckless endeavour, inevitably bound to irritate Russia. Others view Russia’s slide toward authoritarianism as the root of all evil or believe that Russia is now an expansionist power. Some think that Russia can be countered only with forceful deterrence. Others think that dialogue remain necessary.

These differences matter. NATO’s strength rests on its unity. To forge an effective response to Russia, NATO needs to reach greater consensus.

In this Debate there are four Essays:

+ The dangerous decade: Russia-NATO relations 2014 to 2024 by Gustav Gressel
NATO is set to enter a dangerous decade with Russia in which domestic instability coincides with a weak neighbourhood, but what can Europe do to mitigate the risk of Russian aggression?

+ Rehearsals for war by Alexander Golts
With Russia building up its military capacity at staggering speed, it might be time to develop new rules of engagement, to avoid the worst-case scenario.

+ NATO enlargement: Assurances and misunderstandings by Rodric Braithwaite
How far the recent deterioration relations in Russia’s relations with the West might have been prevented if NATO had not expanded is a question for historians, but it was not the only factor.

+ NATO-Russia dialogue and the future of the NATO-Russia Council by Kadri Liik & Merle Maigre
The NATO-Russia Council has not met for two years, since the annexation of Crimea, but both sides need to discuss their differences to understand each other better.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background information: Russian State Mobilization. Moving the Country on to a War Footing http://www.europeansources.info/record/russian-state-mobilization-moving-the-country-on-to-a-war-footing/

ESO: Background information: Russia's Damaging Obsession with Cold War Myths http://www.europeansources.info/record/russias-damaging-obsession-with-cold-war-myths/

ESO: Background information: Russia 2030: A story of great power dreams and small victorious wars http://www.europeansources.info/record/russia-2030-a-story-of-great-power-dreams-and-small-victorious-wars/

ESO: Background information: NATO Secretary General welcomes frank and open discussions in NATO-Russia Council http://www.europeansources.info/record/nato-secretary-general-welcomes-frank-and-open-discussions-in-nato-russia-council/

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