| Description |
12 pages ; 30 cm |
| Series |
Research paper, 2076-0949 ; no. 127 |
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Research paper (NATO Defence College) ; no. 127
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| Contents |
Russia and the West in the Cold War and today -- The need for containment then and now -- Kennan's containment doctrine -- The missing piece : understanding Russia -- The long road ahead |
| Summary |
"At the core of Western strategy for managing the Cold War, from the late 1940's to the 1980's, was an American-led policy of 'containment' of Soviet power and influence. This containment policy, which is generally credited to U.S. diplomat George F. Kennan and his influential writings in the early Cold War period, diagnosed in Soviet foreign policy an expansionist undercurrent, which had the potential to threaten the foundations of economic prosperity and political stability on which vital Western interests depended. Accordingly, Kennan advised 'a long-term, patient but firm vigilant containment of Russian expansive tendencies, ' not only in Europe, but globally. Containment was a mode of East-West relations that many presumed would be relegated to the dustbin of history at the end of the Cold War. Yet the current period might accurately by dubbed the era of 'new containment, ' with many urging the United States, NATO, and Europe to once again contain, constrain and counter what they view as Russia's expansionist policies and malign influence on the world stage. From the West's perspective, there may now be compelling reasons for adopting a renewed containment approach toward Russia. It is therefore important to revisit not only the core assumptions that underpinned Kennan's vision of containment during the early years of the Cold War, but to inquire whether the current period in East-West relations merits a similar response, and on what basis it might be developed. This paper argues that although the circumstances around the conflict between Russia and the West today differ considerably from those of the Cold War, it nonetheless poses a serious threat to European security and stability, and demands a careful and comprehensive Western response. Accordingly, it will present Kennan's rationale for a containment policy in response to the threat from Moscow, with reference to the potential application of his arguments in the present conflict. It will then describe Kennan's own understanding of containment, as a primarily non-military strategy, focused on recognition of the adversary's vulnerabilities while strengthening the West's capacity to solve pressing problems and inspire others to do the same. Finally, the paper will recall Kennan's specific recommendation that defeating the Soviet threat would require a robust Western capacity to understand Russia -- a capacity that Kennan would judge to be sadly lacking today"--Pages 1-2 |
| Notes |
Caption title |
|
"January 2016." |
| Bibliography |
Includes bibliographical references |
| Subject |
Kennan, George F. (George Frost), 1904-2005. Source of Soviet Conduct
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Intervention (International law)
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National characteristics, Russian.
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Cold War.
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Diplomatic relations.
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Intervention (International law)
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National characteristics, Russian.
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| SUBJECT |
Russia (Federation) -- Foreign relations -- 21st century
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Russia (Federation) -- Territorial expansion -- Prevention
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Europe -- Foreign relations -- 21st century
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United States -- Foreign relations -- 21st century.
http://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh2003003697
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Western countries -- Foreign relations -- Soviet Union
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Soviet Union -- Foreign relations -- Western countries
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| Subject |
Europe.
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Russia (Federation)
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Soviet Union.
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United States.
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Western countries.
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| Form |
Electronic book
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