NATO’s Enlargement and Russia: Implications for Alliance Theory
Presentation Type:
Oral Presentation
Authors:
Erdem Ozluk, Selcuk University, Turkey
Duygu Ozluk, Selcuk University, Turkey
Although NATO was created to “keep the Soviets out, the Americans in, and the Germans down” during the early years of Cold War and the threat led to establishment of the alliance disappeared, NATO continues to exist by enlarging. After the Cold War, any regional security alliance that could serve as an alternative to NATO could not be established in Europe. For this reason, NATO’s membership has increased from 12 to 30 countries. Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, with the applications of Sweden and Finland NATO will have 32 members. This paper deals with the security problems and costs of the potential membership of these two countries. NATO, with its open-door policy, has always welcomed new members as it believes that it will increase cooperation in the alliance and strengthen the stability in Europe. However, the participation of Sweden and Finland will increase the division in Europe and the security cost of all members. Therefore, this paper argues that unlike previous enlargement examples, the latest enlargement will pose direct threat to Russia, drag the tensions between NATO and Russia to another dimension and reinforce the division in Europe, thus creating insecurity rather than stability. The participation of Sweden and Finland may also push Russia a more aggressive foreign policy rather than enhancing the NATO’s deterrence and Euro-Atlantic zone’s security. The latest enlargement will not play a more constructive role in international security and the participation of new members will not produce a net benefit to the alliance.
Presentation Date/Time: Sunday, December 11, 2022 (09:20)
Session: Session 1
Room: Fai Kham Room