In search of balance: Russia and the EU in the North

Abstract

No matter how the North is demarcated, the Russian Federation constitutes a significant share. Already its mere physical size and numerous neighboring states make Russia a noteworthy player and its actions, or lack thereof, are likely to affect other countries. Accordingly, it is in the interests of these countries to try to have a say in the direction that development in Russia takes. Many European policies and instruments aimed at influencing Russia's development have, however, approached the country as an object rather than a subject. Russia has often taken these asymmetric approaches with a pinch of salt. This paper examines the Northern Dimension of the European Union as an example of a policy tool that stands a chance to have a strong impact on how Russia regards cooperation with its northern European neighbors and, in consequence, the entire order and balance in a changing North. Positive experiences from an equal partnership within this context may function as a usable springboard to further development and prompt other regional initiatives elsewhere. It is only through such experience that Russia may reject its tenacious strong state discourse and enable the kind of openness that international cooperation would entail.