Russia and its Changing Perceptions of the EU

In May 2004, seven formerly Soviet satellite countries joined the European Union (EU). In 2007, the enlargement process of the EU proceeded with another two former Soviet satellites, Romania and Bulgaria becoming new members. Furthermore, the Ukrainian government, whose country shares a common border of almost 1600 km with Russia, has commited itself to enhance political and economic reform processes. Its strategic long-term goal is the accession to the EU. Although it is rather unlikely that accession talks with the Ukraine will start in the near future, the course adopted by the government is obvious. Georgia, a former Soviet republic as well, formulated back in 2003 its strategic long-term objective which is becoming a member of the EU.
The Eastern Enlargement in 2004 brought the EU at the doorstep to the Russian Federation. Although having shared a common border with Russia since 1995 when Finland became a member of the EU, the situation now is qualitatively different. Russia’s former direct sphere of influence is now integrated within the framework of the EU.
Due to this relatively new situation of immediate neighbourhood without any ideologic cutting line or cordon sanitaire1, it is likely that new patterns concerning the Russia-EU relationship arise. Particularly, the Russian perspective on the EU might change qualitatively, with the latter expanding to territories that were just fifteen years ago under direct control of the Union of Socialist Soviet Republics (USSR).
This paper argues that Russia faces a dilemma concerning its relations with the EU. On the one hand, the EU constitutes a competitor for post-Soviet space. On the other hand, Russia needs the EU as a partner, particularly in the economic field. Therefore, the main objective of this paper is to examine Russia’s perception towards the EU’s enlargement policy. In the first part, base lines of Russian foreign policy since 1990 will be identified by applying theoretical approaches of international relations to these developments. The role the EU played in Russia’s foreign policy perception will be emdedded into the broader scope of Russia’s general approach to international affairs. Russia’s specific perception attributed to EU’s Eastern enlargement policy will be the focus of the third part of the paper. Identifying patterns of Russian responses to the dynamics of EU’s Eastern Enlargement and the implications of these responses for Russia-EU relations will also be discussed.

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• Introduction
• The Russian Federation: Defining its Role in International Politics
  • Liberal Internationalism: The Beginnings of Post-Soviet Foreign Policy
  • Multipolarity as the Objective: Re-orientation under Primakov
  • Russian Foreign Policy under Putin
• Russia's Perception of EU's Enlargement Policy
  • The Russian Perspective on EU Eastern Enlargement
    • The System of Reference: NATO Enlargement
    • EU Eastern Enlargement: The Economic Perspective
    • EU Eastern Enlargement: The Political Perspective
    • EU Eastern Enlargement: The Geopolitical Perspective
  • The Russian Perspective on the Dynamics of EU Enlargement
• The Impact of Russia's new Perception on Russia-EU Relations

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This paper aims to examine Russia's perceptions and responses to the EU's enlargement policy. It investigates how Russia's self-perception of its role in international politics has shaped its reactions to the EU's expansion, particularly in the Eastern European region. The paper explores the complex relationship between Russia and the EU, analyzing Russia's concerns about the EU's influence in its former sphere of influence.

• Russia's foreign policy objectives and its perception of the EU
• Russia's response to the EU's Eastern Enlargement policy
• The impact of the EU's expansion on Russia-EU relations
• The dynamics of Russia's perception of the EU in the context of international relations theory
• The potential for cooperation and competition between Russia and the EU

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

• Introduction: The paper begins by introducing the context of the EU's Eastern Enlargement in 2004 and its implications for Russia. The author highlights the significance of Russia's strategic interests in the region and its perception of the EU as a competitor and potential partner.
• The Russian Federation: Defining its Role in International Politics: This chapter examines Russia's evolving foreign policy objectives following the collapse of the USSR. It analyzes different approaches to Russia's international role, including liberal internationalism, multipolarity, and the reorientation under Putin's leadership. The chapter contextualizes the Russian perspective on the EU within the broader framework of Russia's international relations.
• Russia's Perception of EU's Enlargement Policy: This chapter delves into the specifics of Russia's reaction to the EU's Eastern Enlargement. It examines the Russian perspective on the economic, political, and geopolitical implications of the EU's expansion. The chapter analyzes Russia's concerns regarding the EU's influence in its former sphere of influence, particularly in the context of NATO enlargement.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

The paper focuses on the key themes of Russia's foreign policy, EU enlargement, post-Soviet space, international relations, and Russia-EU relations. It explores the dynamics of power, competition, and cooperation between Russia and the EU in the context of Eastern European expansion.

Details

• College: University of Kent
• Grade: 69 (upper second)
• Author: Michael Hofmann (Author)
• Publication Year: 2005
• Pages: 30
• Catalog Number: V61787
• ISBN (eBook): 9783638551632
• ISBN (Book): 9783638668255
• Language: English
• Tags: Russia Changing Perceptions