World Politics Review: For NATO-Russia Relations, No More Business as Usual
CNAS Author: David Capezza
Original Post: For NATO-Russia Relations, No More Business as Usual
Type: Op-Ed
November 24, 2008 — November 24, 2008 - In a speech last Thursday, NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer announced that the alliance's relationship with Russia will no longer be "business as usual," while stressing the need for a multidimensional approach towards relations with Moscow. With relations between NATO and Russia greatly strained, Scheffer argued against framing the issue as a choice between Russia and Georgia, declaring that, "No, we will not choose." If acted upon, Scheffer's call to action could mark the beginning of a new approach towards Russia.
The multidimensional approach, according to Scheffer, includes "a broad cooperative framework embracing virtually all the countries on our continent, a specific policy for those countries interested in joining NATO, and a determined attempt to draw Russia closer to the alliance."
Russia's incursion into Georgia highlighted the growing rift between Moscow and NATO, and put NATO's continued discussions with Georgia even more in the spotlight. Altering those discussions to appease Russian interests would have been of great concern, not only to the alliance, but also to potential NATO members Georgia and Ukraine. But while Scheffer noted that Russia's use of force was of concern to NATO members, he insisted that it would not be the "red line" on enlargement. The announcement that discussions will continue with Georgia is therefore critical, not only for NATO-Russia relations, but also for the future of the alliance, signaling that NATO will not take a submissive approach to enlargement.
Nevertheless, Scheffer's announcement that NATO will at the same time emphasize a direct diplomatic approach with Russia demonstrates that the alliance is willing to take the first step towards restoring healthy relations with Moscow. The NATO-Russia Council, in particular, needs to once again become a functional forum for Russia and NATO to voice concerns over security issues. If Russia balks at these efforts, it will then be clear that it is Russia, and not the alliance, that is resisting cooperation. This is unlikely, however, as the Russian government has repeatedly called for engagement through international institutions, such as the U.N. and OSCE. On Nov. 20, Russia's ambassador to NATO, Dmitry Rogozin, stated that it is necessary for NATO and Russia to continue their engagement on mutual security concerns, such as a response to the piracy crisis, to increase the effectiveness of addressing these issues.
NATO's announcement is also a recognition that relations with Russia are critical to the alliance. In the words of the secretary general, "[T]rustful NATO-Russia relations are a strategic asset -- a boon to European and indeed global security." While NATO-Russia relations might seem to be worsening today, they are, in fact, closer than they have ever been before. Quite literally, NATO's enlargement process has placed the edge of Europe on Russia's border. As Scheffer indicates, there are a number of issues in which NATO and Russia share strategic interests, from arms control and nonproliferation to terrorism -- issues that must be confronted jointly by both NATO and Russia is they are to be successfully addressed.
By reforming NATO's policy towards Russia, Scheffer is hoping to eliminate the need to sacrifice the alliance's interests in order to garner support from Russia. Whether on Georgia and the Ukraine or missile defense, engaging Russia to create a transparent and non-threatening relationship will allow all countries to discuss their concerns in an open forum.
The alternative of noncooperation and confrontation is not viable. While NATO seeks to fulfill an ambitious agenda that includes operations in Afghanistan, Iraq, Kosovo, and the Mediterranean, a non-cooperative approach towards Russia will only result in additional security problems. Though Russia's minister of defense, Anatoly Serdyukov, reiterated Moscow's opposition to Georgia's accession to NATO on Nov. 18, NATO's new approach towards Russia may in fact alleviate Russia's opposition.
The new policy as outlined by its secretary general would demonstrate to both Russia and aspiring members states in the region that NATO is committed to making the alliance stronger and closer. But by emphasizing cooperation with Russia at the same time on specific issues such as terrorism, energy and cyber security, it would allow NATO to demonstrate that its goal of a more secure Europe poses no threat to Moscow. If adopted, the multidimensional approach would be a further indication that the alliance will continue to be a valuable asset, vital for the future of a secure and stable Europe.
David Capezza is currently a Joseph S. Nye Jr. Researcher at the Center for a New American Security in Washington D.C.
