8 Conclusion
209. Relations between Russia and the West are complex
and characterised by mutual dependency. Russia's national security
is dependent upon the acquiescence of NATO Member States in its
actions and approach and its economic wellbeing depends on international
trade, in particular the EU's import of gas and oil. Russia has
much to gain from cooperating with the West given the many shared
global challenges—climate change, the economic crisis, terrorism
and non-proliferation. NATO also has much to gain from cooperating
with Russia. As well as tackling the shared global challenges,
NATO could benefit from cooperation on Afghanistan, handling relations
with Iran and joint working on issues such as the Arctic.
210. Russia has means other than military might to
exert influence over its neighbouring states, and has demonstrated
its willingness to do so. Its use of energy as a foreign policy
tool is of concern. Many EU countries are heavily dependent on
Russian gas and oil, which makes them vulnerable to the threat
of cut offs: and this dependency may increase. This is why it
is vital that the EU adopts a united approach to energy and diversifies
its supply.
211. Although
Russia does not pose a military threat to NATO as an Alliance,
some Central and Eastern European NATO Member States are understandably
concerned about the military threat that Russia poses to them
individually, given Russia's actions in Georgia. It is important
they are reassured.
212. It is in
NATO's interests to continue to support the territorial integrity
of Georgia. If Russia believes it has carte blanche to
disregard international law there is an increased risk of other
countries suffering the same fate as Georgia. The credibility
of NATO as a military alliance is based on its ability to provide
mutual defence to its Member States, as outlined in Article 5.
NATO's new Strategic Concept should contain a renewed commitment
to Article 5 as well as ensuring that NATO is militarily capable
of acting inside and outside of NATO boundaries. NATO is strongest
when its Member States are united; the UK Government should work
within NATO to ensure that this is achieved.
213. It is right
that NATO, the EU and the UK Government engage with Russia both
on areas of cooperation and areas of disagreement. Russia has
much to gain from positioning itself firmly within the community
of nations. Engagement is important to build trust and avoid a
new confrontation arising between Russia and the West. The Government
should adopt a hard-headed approach to engagement with Russia,
based on the reality of Russia's foreign policy rather than abstract
and misleading notions of shared values.
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