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Subject: Russia and NATO
M. Gilbert    2/27/2002 5:05:10 PM
The possibility that Russia will be admitted to Nato is increasing. If so, no doubt any securities will be smooth over. Now, the next step is to see what reaction China will have to it. China, in a sense, will face an even greater encirclment with the USA being the "encircler."
 
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cobaltblue    RE:Russia and NATO   1/5/2004 11:02:29 PM
my initial thoughts: 1. Russia does not need NATO as it does not suit Russia's own geopolitical interests (unless NATO makes a lot of concessions to Russia). being a trans-eurasiatic power, Russia is in the middle of everything and would prefer to have a 'freedom of manoeuvre', taking whatever sides she thinks appropriate insofar as balance of power goes. not to mention that NATO (or the EU for that matter) would contribute anything to conflicts along Russia's southern frontier, even if Russia becomes a NATO member. and ... Russia would be cynical towards NATO, considering its unnecessary eastward expansion (as far as Russia is concerned) and attack on Serbia, a traditional Russia's ally. 2. generally, despite apparent Russia's weakness after 1991, Russia wants to be treated as an 'equal' in the realm of diplomacy. if anything, Russian nationalism is more vocal today than during the Soviet era. (in other words, a Russian leader who is too easygoing towards the West would risk losing Russian popular support.) 3. NATO 'standardization' would be unacceptable to Russia. Russia has its own extensive military production, and why should she buy or lease weapons from the US or Western Europe? furthermore, it has been a good business for Russia to sell arms to places like India and China, and what if NATO imposes restriction? plus, Russia can compete on her own in the realm of weapons exports.
 
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Big Bad Pariah    RE:Russia and NATO   1/10/2004 2:38:19 AM
I agree with cobaltblue.
 
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