THE NATO-RUSSIA COUNCIL: WHY THE INSTITUTIONALIZATION OF NATO–RUSSIA RELATIONS FAILED
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Authors
Wartenberg, Dennis
Subjects
North Atlantic Treaty Organization
NATO
NATO–Russia Council
NRC
NATO–Russia relations
post–Cold War Russia
Ukraine crisis
Putin regime survival
NATO
NATO–Russia Council
NRC
NATO–Russia relations
post–Cold War Russia
Ukraine crisis
Putin regime survival
Advisors
Matovski, Aleksandar
Date of Issue
2024-06
Date
Publisher
Monterey, CA; Naval Postgraduate School
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Abstract
This thesis explores the complex dynamics of NATO and Russia’s relationship, including their inability to establish stable institutional relations through the NATO–Russia Council (NRC). The study considers various internal and external factors that have influenced this relationship during Vladimir Putin’s rule. These factors include the evolution of Russian foreign policy, regime survival calculations, and the growing influence of radical ideologies like Eurasianism in the Kremlin’s strategic outlook. By process-tracing key events and relating them to different theoretical predictions, the thesis finds that the conflict between Russia’s nationalist narratives and NATO’s liberal values has resulted in growing distrust and confrontation, which ultimately precluded meaningful cooperation between the two entities. This process has manifested in the increasingly ineffective role of the NRC in fostering stable relations and culminated in the Ukraine crisis. The thesis concludes that the breakdown in relations is a result of a complex interplay of geopolitical tensions, differing security perspectives, and a fundamental values gap. These factors will persist and have significant implications for European and global security as Russia will continue to shape NATO’s posture. Given Russia’s history and behavior, it is likely that it will remain a difficult actor to deal with, which will keep NATO–Russia relations strained for the foreseeable future.
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Thesis
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Distribution Statement A. Approved for public release: Distribution is unlimited.
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