The Cold War Never Ended: Putin’s Mistrust of NATO Explained
Russia has long been deeply concerned about the military and political alliances formed by Western countries, particularly the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
Russian officials have argued that these alliances are part of a broader effort to encircle Russia and undermine its security, and have viewed them as a significant threat to Russian interests and influence in the region.
NATO was formed in 1949 as a military alliance to counter Soviet influence in Europe, and the alliance played a key role in deterring Soviet aggression during the Cold War.
This history of conflict and confrontation has contributed to a sense of hostility and suspicion between Russia and NATO.
Russian officials have argued that NATO’s expansion into Eastern Europe in the years following the collapse of the Soviet Union is evidence of Western aggression and a desire to encircle and undermine Russia.
Since the end of the Cold War, NATO has expanded its membership and moved its military infrastructure closer to Russia’s borders. The enlargement of NATO has been seen by Russia as an encroachment on its traditional sphere of influence, and as evidence of a broader Western effort to undermine Russian security.
Russia is deeply concerned about what it perceives as threats to its sovereignty and territorial integrity, particularly in the form of Western efforts to promote democracy and human rights in the region.
Russian officials have argued that these efforts are a thinly-veiled attempt to undermine Russia’s influence and promote Western-style democracy in the region, which they view as incompatible with Russia’s historical and geopolitical interests.
This concern about sovereignty and territorial integrity has been particularly acute in the context of the conflict in Ukraine. Russia views Ukraine as a crucial buffer zone between itself and NATO, and has been highly critical of Western efforts to support Ukraine’s territorial integrity and promote democratic reforms in the country.
Russian officials have argued that the conflict in Ukraine is a result of Western interference and meddling in the region, and have accused the West of supporting a government in Kiev that is hostile to Russia’s interests.
They have also pointed to what they see as historical grievances, including the loss of Crimea to Ukraine in 1954 and the treatment of ethnic Russians in Ukraine, as evidence of Western hostility towards Russia.
Consequently, Putin and the Russian government see NATO as a direct threat to their security and as evidence of a broader Western effort to undermine Russian influence in the region.
In response, Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, having taken steps to strengthen its own military capabilities and form alliances with other countries, particularly China.
In the lead up to it’s invasion of Ukraine, Russia invested heavily in modernising its military and expanding its strategic nuclear forces, as well as conducting a range of military exercises aimed at demonstrating its capabilities and deterring potential adversaries.
Russia’s alliance with China is also seen as a response to perceived Western hostility and a way to counterbalance Western influence in the region.
Russia and China have deepened their strategic partnership in recent years, signing a range of economic and military agreements aimed at strengthening their cooperation and reducing their reliance on the West.
NATO Perspective
NATO, for its part, has argued that its expansion is a response to changing security threats in the region, including Russian aggression in Ukraine and the broader challenge of terrorism and instability in the Middle East.
The alliance has also sought to engage with Russia on issues of mutual concern, such as arms control and counterterrorism, although progress in these areas, even before the Ukraine invasion, were limited.
Like Russia, NATO has conducted a number of military exercises in the region, including in the Baltic states and Eastern Europe, as part of its efforts to enhance its readiness and deter potential aggression.
These exercises have been intended to demonstrate the alliance’s commitment to defending its members and to provide training and readiness for NATO forces in the region.
However, these exercises have been viewed by Russia as a direct threat to its security, and have contributed to a sense of hostility and mistrust between Russia and NATO.
The situation has been further complicated by Russia’s own military activities in the region, including it’s broader invasion of Ukraine, and its annexation of Crimea and support for separatist rebels in eastern Ukraine before that.
All of this has led to a heightened sense of tension and suspicion, with both sides engaging in military activities and exercises in response to perceived threats and provocations.
Is Putin Just Using NATO As A Political Ploy?
Some analysts argue that Putin’s mistrust of NATO is partly driven by his desire to maintain power and control within Russia. By portraying NATO as a hostile external force, Putin can justify his own authoritarian policies and suppress dissent, thereby consolidating his grip on power.
Putin has used NATO as a convenient scapegoat to deflect criticism and maintain domestic support.
By emphasising NATO’s perceived threat to Russia’s sovereignty and security, Putin has rallied his conservative and nationalist base and presented himself as a strong leader defending Russia’s interests against external aggression.
In doing so, he has fostered a sense of national unity and patriotism that has helped him maintain his popularity despite his authoritarian policies and economic challenges.
Moreover, Putin has used the threat of NATO to suppress dissent and silence opposition voices.
By branding critics as traitors or foreign agents who are colluding with NATO to undermine Russia’s interests, Putin has justified his crackdown on civil society, media, and political opposition.
This has allowed him to suppress political dissent, maintain control over the political system, and limit the influence of opposition groups.
Putin’s perception of NATO as a hostile external force allows him to justify his authoritarian policies and maintain his grip on power within Russia.
At the same time, NATO’s expansion and the deployment of US missile defence systems in Europe have fuelled Russian suspicions and contributed to a climate of mistrust between Russia and the West.
Ultimately, understanding the roots of Putin’s mistrust of NATO is crucial for navigating where things may go next.
The world cannot afford another world war.
However unpalatable Russia’s actions in Ukraine have been, understanding and navigating the different sides of these issue, is absolutely necessary.
Interested in showing support for this writer? Consider becoming a Medium member. By signing up with my referral link, I’ll earn a modest commission at no additional expense for you! You’ll also enjoy unrestricted access to a wide range of stories on Medium.
