Why is the West So Hostile Towards Russia?
Since the annexation of Crimea and the war in Donbas, tensions between Russia and the European Union (EU) have noticeably increased. This hostility is not a new phenomenon but rather a culmination of historical and geopolitical factors that have played out over centuries.
Historical Context
The roots of the current tensions run deep into European history. Europe, under the guise of unity and security, has repeatedly sought to neutralize threats posed by neighboring powers. This has often led to conflicts that, albeit damaging, have served the interests of non-European powers. Let's delve into a brief overview of these historical conflicts.
Europe's Frontline Shifts: A Centuries-Long Conflict
The frontline of conflict in Europe has shifted repeatedly, from the Iberian Peninsula to Eastern Europe. This pattern has seen multiple powers rise and fall, often at the cost of European unity and stability. The history of these conflicts is complex, but it reveals a consistent pattern: a more powerful European nation is identified as a threat, leading to a unification of weaker European states against this common enemy.
Spain: The Early Chapter
Defeating Spain marked the beginning of this pattern. Spain, which had dominated the seas and explored the New World, became a threat to non-European powers. Consequently, the Armada was destroyed, and other European powers united to take Spain's place as the dominant global power. Spain also held European colonies, which helped in rallying support for the eventual defeat of Spain.
France: The Napoleonic Era and Beyond
France's rise brought another threat to non-European interests. While St. Pierre proposed a "European Union" including Russia as early as 1713, it was largely ignored. Napoleon Bonaparte was identified as the villain, and the same non-European powers who conquered the seas became allies, uniting Europe against France. Despite the military successes, the same non-European allies used the conflict to further their own interests.
Germany: The 20th Century Reprise
The German challenge in the early 20th century led to another round of conflict, with a focus on a province in the Balkans. The Versailles Treaty solidified the outcome, but the underlying pattern of military unification against a powerful European force continued.
Modern Retenvance: Putin and Russia
More recently, the emergence of Russia as a modern power has once again drawn the attention of non-European powers. Putin's actions, characterized by hybrid warfare, have been met with increasing hostility from the West. The annexation of Crimea and the ongoing conflict in Donbas have led to sanctions from the EU, straining relations between the two.
The Geopolitical Implications
The conflict between Russia and the West is not just a matter of territorial disputes or values. It is a complex geopolitical struggle where non-European powers manipulate European unity to serve their own strategic interests. Brexit, for instance, has played into these hands by reducing the coherence of the European Union.
Why Europe is Not Naturally Hostile to Russia
Europe is not inherently hostile to Russia. Historically, both regions have coexisted relatively peacefully. However, non-European powers have used this latent cooperation to fuel fears of Russian "invasion" and instability, thereby uniting Europe against Russia. This narrative is used to justify military actions and sanctions that ultimately damage both Russia and Europe.
Alternative Perspectives and Suggested Solutions
To address these issues, a more nuanced understanding of history is necessary. Europe should look to its own past and history books written by non-victors to gain a more accurate perspective. Negotiations and diplomatic efforts, rather than military actions, should be prioritized to resolve conflicts peacefully.
Ultimately, a united Russia with Europe would present a powerful competitor to non-European powers. Therefore, a peaceful resolution and reevaluation of historical narratives are crucial for the future of both regions.