Going East: An assessment of NATO enlargement to Ukraine and Georgia

In the wake of the Georgian conflict in August 2008 a heated debate about the necessity of further NATO enlargement has emerged. The prospects for Georgia and Ukraine of their candidacy being moved to the next stage is fading. In this essay I will outline the developments to date, present the arguments against and in favour of enlargement and argue that ultimately, despite its high-blown rhetoric, NATO is unlikely to grant Georgia and Ukraine membership in the near future.

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• Introduction
• Developments to date
• Arguments for NATO enlargement
• Arguments against NATO enlargement

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This essay examines the debate surrounding NATO enlargement to Ukraine and Georgia, specifically focusing on the arguments for and against the expansion. It evaluates the current state of relations between NATO and the two countries, considering past developments and the impact of the 2008 Georgian conflict. Key themes include:

• NATO's expansion policy and its potential impact on European security
• Russia's response to NATO enlargement and its foreign policy objectives
• The strategic importance of Ukraine and Georgia for NATO and Russia
• The potential consequences of NATO membership for Ukraine and Georgia, both in terms of security and domestic politics
• The role of domestic politics in Ukraine and Georgia in shaping their relationship with NATO

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

Introduction

The essay begins by introducing the debate surrounding NATO enlargement to Ukraine and Georgia, highlighting the conflicting perspectives on the issue. It sets the stage for the analysis of the arguments for and against expansion, and establishes the focus on the impact of the 2008 Georgian conflict.

Developments to date

This chapter outlines the history of relations between NATO and Ukraine and Georgia, emphasizing the gradual deepening of these relations over time. It explores the milestones in their engagement with NATO, such as joining the Partnership for Peace program and signing the NATO-Ukraine Special Partnership Charter. The chapter also examines the political dynamics in both countries, particularly in relation to their pursuit of closer ties with NATO.

Arguments for NATO enlargement

This chapter presents the arguments in favor of NATO enlargement to Ukraine and Georgia. It highlights the potential benefits of expansion, including deterring Russian aggression, promoting democracy in the region, and strengthening regional security. The chapter emphasizes the strategic importance of both countries and their potential to serve as buffers against Russian influence.

Arguments against NATO enlargement

This section explores the concerns surrounding NATO enlargement to Ukraine and Georgia. It focuses on the potential for increased Russian hostility and the risk of destabilizing the region. The chapter highlights the Russian perspective on NATO expansion and the potential for it to exacerbate existing tensions.

Details

• Hochschule: University College Cork (Department of Government)
• Veranstaltung: Global Governance
• Note: 1,0
• Autor: M.A. Niklas Manhart (Autor:in)
• Erscheinungsjahr: 2009
• Seiten: 8
• Katalognummer: V189686
• ISBN (eBook): 9783656140108
• Sprache: Englisch
• Schlagworte: nato ukraine georgia enlargement security eastern policy european neighbourhood policy