The relations of most European countries with Russia have seen so much hostility in recent times that the idea of seeking common European security inclusive of Russia appears to be at best only a very remote possibility just now. Nevertheless in the interests of durable peace as well as economic progress, this remote possibility must be promoted and taken forward.
Hence this is a good time to link up again to the approximately five-year period of 1989-94 when the concept of common European Common Security inclusive of Russia was very much alive and was getting the endorsement and support of some of the best western statesmen and diplomats. Russia was of course very keen regarding this at that time. In fact the talks of Gorbachev and his colleagues with prominent western leaders around the time of the dissolution of the Soviet Union and soon after often centered on the idea that the cold war conditions would be replaced by common European security inclusive of Russia. In this entire discussion there was no hint that this concept or idea would in anyway be hostile to the USA. It was being promoted in ways that, it was hoped, would have the consent or perhaps even the blessing of the USA.
However the more hawkish and aggressive elements who were on the ascendancy in the USA, and their supporters in parts of Europe, were more guided by the objective of increasing dominance rather than increasing cooperation. The military industrial complex was in a mood of bringing conflict risks to a higher than a lower level. What was being sought was not increasing economic partnership on equality or mutual benefit basis but rather more exploitation of resources and assets belonging to others.
Hence the USA and its key European allies agreed instead to embark on aggressive eastward expansion of NATO, in violation of promises earlier made to Gorbachev. Russian objections were simply ignored as Russia was considered too weak during the late 1990s and in the first few years of the 21st century. However by the time (in 2008) the USA came to strongly advocating NATO expansion even to Ukraine and Georgia, even the most prominent leaders of Germany and France had begun to voice serious concerns regarding the increasing hostility with Russia this would inevitably bring, but the USA prevailed on them to go along. Unfortunately what was earlier very reluctant acceptance on the part of prominent European leaders gradually gave way to more hawkish advocacy of USA led NATO expansion. The rest is history, a history of entirely avoidable high risks, instability and conflict.
However it can be clearly seen today that the neglect of the concept of common European security inclusive of Russia has been very harmful for Europe. Instead of the end of the cold war leading to a new era of peace and stability in Europe, what we see instead are increase in stress and instability. In fact during certain stretches of recent times, actually the danger of a bigger war and a nuclear war implicating Europe appeared to be higher than during the cold war years. Economic prospects have decreased too with very important economies like that of Germany being burdened by high energy costs and reduced opportunities of trade and investment.
However the biggest danger just now is of the Ukraine war having continued for too long, and the increasing signs that even when it ends in the form of a ceasefire, it may not end on a note of goodwill and durable peace but instead may remain like a frozen conflict for years, so that the risks of hostilities rising again from time to time will remain high, perhaps dragging in other European countries too.
Hence the idea of common European security inclusive of Russia should be revived, and should also be linked to achieving durable peace on the Russia-Ukraine front.
While this is certainly in the interests of peace and stability as well as in the interests of improving economic prospects, there are several obstacles in the path of this, created largely by recent mistakes, and the situation is now certainly not as favorable as it was during 1989-94. Nevertheless in view of its short-term as well as long-term prospects, the objective of common European security must be pursued.
One question is how responsive Russia is now regarding this idea after it has suffered so much from deception and double talk in the past. One can only hope that this time European leaders approach this objective with more honesty and firmness, and also that Russia is willing to forgive, although not forget, the deception it suffered on several occasions in recent years.
Another question is whether the USA will permit this. Well if the European leaders are united enough they can perhaps find it easier to persuade the USA for this now than in the recent past, particularly when it is made amply clear that this is not based on harming US interests in any apparent way. If the USA is not persuaded, then European leaders have to simply summon more courage and unity to pursue their more enlightened interests.
Last but not the least, there is the question of whether the European ruling elites are themselves up to this task of course change. In recent years one has been shocked at the extent to which despite all the famous scholarship and high educational levels of Europe, Europe has ignored the most rational choices regarding the path of peace and stability and instead opted for paths which increase stress and instability. One hopes that Europe now has the courage and the wisdom to make more rational choices that can take it forward on the path of playing a leadership role for taking the world on the path of peace, justice and environment protection. All this will be better achieved if the concept and the idea of common European security inclusive of Russia is accepted.
*
Click the share button below to email/forward this article. Follow us on Instagram and X and subscribe to our Telegram Channel. Feel free to repost Global Research articles with proper attribution.
Bharat Dogra is Honorary Convener, Campaign to Save Earth Now. His recent books include Planet in Peril, Protecting Earth for Children, A Day in 2071, Earth without Borders and Man over Machine—A Path to Peace. He is a regular contributor to Global Research.
Featured image: Europe – Karsten Riise and Christian Lue, Unsplash CC0
Global Research is a reader-funded media. We do not accept any funding from corporations or governments. Help us stay afloat. Click the image below to make a one-time or recurring donation.
Counter Information publish all articles following the Creative Commons rule creative commons. If you don't want your article to appear in this blog email me and I will remove it asap.
No comments:
Post a Comment