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1 September 2014

Great Power Politics and the Ukrainian Crisis: NATO, EU and Russia after 2014

Henrik Larsen, Research Fellow, International Security Program

This report assesses the relationship between Europe and Russia as the sum of great power reactions to the Ukrainian crisis and Russia's annexation of Crimea. Despite agreement on a no business-as-usual principle, important national nuances have arisen stemming from different historical bonds to eastern Europe and Russia (Germany, Poland, United States) or different interests in the region (France, United Kingdom).

The report calls for a recalibration of the Europe-Russia relations along three dimensions based on the great power pattern: imposing moderate sanctions and thus letting markets punish Russia, given its vulnerability to international investors; placing the EU at the forefront of implementing the Association Agreement already in place to assist Ukraine in painful but needed reforms; and getting NATO to reinforce its eastern posture to incentivize de-escalation.

The Ukrainian crisis must be recognized and managed as a predominantly politicaleconomic rivalry involving relatively strong Russian interests in this common neighborhood with the EU.


For more information about this publication please contact the ISP Program Coordinator at 617-496-1981.

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