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Russia-EU Relations and the Common Neighborhood: Navigating a Complex Landscape

Junichiro Tanizaki

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Published in Russia EU Relations And The Common Neighborhood: Coercion Vs Authority (Post Soviet Politics)

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Russia–EU Relations and the Common Neighborhood: Coercion vs. Authority (Post-Soviet Politics)

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	618 KB
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Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
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Print length	:	251 pages

Book Cover: Russia EU Relations And The Common Neighborhood Russia EU Relations And The Common Neighborhood: Coercion Vs Authority (Post Soviet Politics)

Historical Background
Political Relations
Economic Relations
Security Relations
The Eastern Partnership
The Ukraine Crisis
Sanctions and Their Impact

Russia-EU relations have been marked by both cooperation and competition since the end of the Cold War. The two sides have sought to build a common neighborhood, particularly in the Eastern Partnership region, but their efforts have been hampered by a number of factors, including geopolitical tensions, historical grievances, and economic rivalry.

This book provides a comprehensive analysis of Russia-EU relations and the challenges facing the common neighborhood. It draws on a wide range of sources, including interviews with policymakers, academics, and journalists, to provide a nuanced understanding of the complex dynamics at play.

Historical Background

Russia and the EU have a long and complex history. The two sides have been both allies and enemies, and their relations have been shaped by a number of factors, including geography, culture, and economics.

The Soviet Union's collapse in 1991 led to the creation of the Russian Federation and the emergence of a new Europe. The EU expanded eastward, bringing many former Soviet republics into its fold. This led to a period of increased cooperation between Russia and the EU, as both sides sought to build a common neighborhood.

Political Relations

Political relations between Russia and the EU have been strained in recent years. The annexation of Crimea by Russia in 2014 and the subsequent conflict in eastern Ukraine have led to a deep freeze in relations.

The EU has imposed sanctions on Russia, and Russia has responded with counter-sanctions. The two sides have also clashed over other issues, such as human rights and democracy.

Economic Relations

Economic relations between Russia and the EU are complex and interdependent. Russia is a major supplier of energy to the EU, while the EU is a major market for Russian goods.

The sanctions imposed by the EU have had a significant impact on Russia's economy. However, Russia has also taken steps to diversify its economy and reduce its dependence on the EU.

Security Relations

Security relations between Russia and the EU are another area of concern. The two sides have different views on a number of security issues, including missile defense, nuclear disarmament, and cyber security.

The Ukraine crisis has further strained security relations between Russia and the EU. The conflict has raised concerns about the stability of the European security Free Download and the potential for a wider conflict.

The Eastern Partnership

The Eastern Partnership is a joint initiative of the EU and six former Soviet republics: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine.

The Eastern Partnership aims to promote cooperation between the EU and these countries in a number of areas, including democracy, human rights, and economic development.

Russia has expressed concerns about the Eastern Partnership, seeing it as a threat to its own sphere of influence. The Ukraine crisis has further complicated the Eastern Partnership, as some of the member states have taken different sides in the conflict.

The Ukraine Crisis

The Ukraine crisis is the most serious crisis in Russia-EU relations since the end of the Cold War. The conflict has led to a deep freeze in relations and has raised concerns about the future of the European security Free Download.

The crisis has its roots in a number of factors, including Ukraine's pro-Western orientation, Russia's concerns about NATO expansion, and the historical and cultural ties between Russia and Ukraine.

The conflict has led to a number of casualties and has displaced millions of people. It has also had a significant impact on the Ukrainian economy and has strained relations between Russia and the West.

Sanctions and Their Impact

The EU has imposed sanctions on Russia in response to the annexation of Crimea and the conflict in eastern Ukraine. The sanctions have targeted Russia's financial, energy, and defense sectors.

The sanctions have had a significant impact on Russia's economy. However, Russia has also taken steps to diversify its economy and reduce its dependence on the EU.

The sanctions have also had a negative impact on the EU economy. The EU is Russia's largest trading partner, and the sanctions have disrupted trade flows and led to higher prices for consumers and businesses.

Russia-EU relations are at a crossroads. The Ukraine crisis has led to a deep freeze in relations, and the future of the common neighborhood is uncertain.

There are a number of challenges that need to be overcome if Russia and the EU are to build a more cooperative relationship. These challenges include geopolitical tensions, historical grievances, economic rivalry, and security concerns.

However, there are also a number of opportunities for cooperation. Both Russia and the EU share an interest in stability and prosperity in the common neighborhood. They also share a number of common values, such as democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.

Whether Russia and the EU can overcome their differences and build a more cooperative relationship remains to be seen. However, the future of the common neighborhood depends on it.

Russia–EU Relations and the Common Neighborhood: Coercion vs. Authority (Post-Soviet Politics)

4.4 out of 5