Is it time to transcend political realism in the EU-Russia security cooperation? Exploring the critical realist model of emancipatory windows

Abstract

This article explores the possibilities of a novel methodological approach in the EU-Russia studies, namely the model of emancipatory windows based on critical realist philosophy. It is argued that the critical realist model can challenge the political realist hypothesis on the absolute gridlock of cooperation between the EU and Russia. The model reveals that collaboration between the two strategic partners is possible within narrow but deep sectors, that is, emancipatory windows, which are defined by three variables: materiality, normativity, and time. In terms of the Third Common Space on external security, an emancipatory window has opened for value-based joint action and operations aimed at the protection of civilians in armed conflicts. More specifically, it would be possible to incorporate and implement the UN-authorised principle of Responsibility to Protect in the roadmap of the Third Common Space and in the successor to the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement. The adoption of RtoP could lead to new forms of cooperation between the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) and Russia in crisis management, particularly in Africa. Thus, emancipation from the current deadlock in the EU-Russia relations does not necessitate completely new normative or concrete structures, that is, ‘reinventing the wheel’. Instead, emancipation can be achieved by modifying and transforming the already existing CSDP-Russia structures.