Turkey, Russia and modern nationalism

The EU faces few challenges greater than working out a modus vivendi with two large and difficult neighbours. The way the Union chooses to deal with this duo will do much to determine its future character. If it cannot develop a coherent and effective common policy towards Russia, its efforts to build a 'common foreign and security policy' will lack credibility. If it rules out Turkish membership, its voice and influence will diminish - and not only in Muslim countries. And if the EU mishandles both Russia and Turkey, it may unwittingly push them into an anti-European alliance.

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