Will Russia ever join NATO

[LittleD]

What do you guys think? Over the past few years the West and East have been getting a long some what. Trade, selling military equipment to each other. Peace talks, visiting each other. Russian government has basically almost turned into a western type democracy "almost".

We also fight the same enemy (terrorism). This is the new enemy of the world, and both US,NATO,Russia are having major problems with it.

Im not really the best political debater, but I think there might be a small chance, maybe 20-30 years if there is no big "war breakout".

[king spartacus]

Its hard to say at the moment but I would say they wouldn't.In 20-30 years anything is possible though.

[Exarch]

What do you guys think? Over the past few years the West and East have been getting a long some what. Trade, selling military equipment to each other. Peace talks, visiting each other. Russian government has basically almost turned into a western type democracy "almost".

We also fight the same enemy (terrorism). This is the new enemy of the world, and both US,NATO,Russia are having major problems with it.

Im not really the best political debater, but I think there might be a small chance, maybe 20-30 years if there is no big "war breakout".

NATO exists to serve american foreign policy,
that's why the Pentagon holds a special command position in Nato command

if the q were
would russia join a EU defence force
yes, yes and hell yes

[Heathen Hammer]

if the q were
would russia join a EU defence force
yes, yes and hell yes

Indeed. NATO IMO has no perspective. EU and US might have conflicting interests, and it would be wise for Russia to side with EU both economically and military.

[Mr. Scott]

Indeed. NATO IMO has no perspective. EU and US might have conflicting interests, and it would be wise for Russia to side with EU both economically and military.

But the EU and Russia have even greater conflicts with each other. Many nations in the EU fear the reimergence of Russia. Poland is a good example of one such country. Russia has already taken over poland twice, I doubt poland will let them do it again easily. All of the Eastern states, and even germany, would do anything to stop Russia encroaching on them again.

It is much more likely that the EU and US would ally then Russia and the EU. It just wouldn't make sense for the EU to let Russia take them over. Plus, becoming an enemy of the US is not smart. If you become America's enemy, then America will rapidly or slowly take you down.

[Applesmack]

But the EU and Russia have even greater conflicts with each other. Many nations in the EU fear the reimergence of Russia. Poland is a good example of one such country. Russia has already taken over poland twice, I doubt poland will let them do it again easily. All of the Eastern states, and even germany, would do anything to stop Russia encroaching on them again.

It is much more likely that the EU and US would ally then Russia and the EU. It just wouldn't make sense for the EU to let Russia take them over. Plus, becoming an enemy of the US is not smart. If you become America's enemy, then America will rapidly or slowly take you down.

America only has power because it has influence. If nations reject its influence, it has no power. Furthermore, America never took down any of its enemies other than weak states like Afghanistan. No, the US did not take down the Soviet Union. The USSR collapsed because of internal issues.

[Heathen Hammer]

But the EU and Russia have even greater conflicts with each other. Many nations in the EU fear the reimergence of Russia. Poland is a good example of one such country. Russia has already taken over poland twice, I doubt poland will let them do it again easily. All of the Eastern states, and even germany, would do anything to stop Russia encroaching on them again.

It is important to understand that Russia doesn't want to take over anybody. Of course, some Eastern European political elite still leaves in Cold War mentality, just like US does (at least it did during Bush years), but time passes and things change.

It is much more likely that the EU and US would ally then Russia and the EU. It just wouldn't make sense for the EU to let Russia take them over. Plus, becoming an enemy of the US is not smart. If you become America's enemy, then America will rapidly or slowly take you down.

It is much less likely that EU and US would ally. It is benefitial for EU to have Russia as an ally, especially economically. US, on the other hand, is still very aggressive and wants to maintain its domination around the world.

[Romano-Dacis]

It is important to understand that Russia doesn't want to take over anybody. Of course, some Eastern European political elite still leaves in Cold War mentality, just like US does (at least it did during Bush years), but time passes and things change.

It is much less likely that EU and US would ally. It is benefitial for EU to have Russia as an ally, especially economically. US, on the other hand, is still very aggressive and wants to maintain its domination around the world.

You know what the main difference between Russia and the US is? The US actually has the means to project its influence. What you are saying is disingenuous. Russian imperialism has nothing to do with "cold war mentality" or whatever other near-sighted people seem to want to attribute it to. Russian imperialism has almost been constant since the times of Yaroslav "the Wise" at least. Thankfully for most of the countries in Eastern Europe Russia has seldom had the means to fulfill its ambitions.

Tell me: do you believe Russia spans across 11 time zones because they like to play nice with their neighbors?

America only has power because it has influence. If nations reject its influence, it has no power.

Influence is built through power. The Western economies are structured around America because
1) America still controls 1/4 of the world economy (and over 1/3 of the innovation).
2) America has a massive conventional and nuclear arsenal.
3) America has the largest population of any country in the West.

Of course we're a long way from the 50's, when the US controlled half of the industrial output of the world, but the US is still by far the most significant player on the world stage. The world might be able to go on without their presence, but not without some major readjustment.

[intel]

It is important to understand that Russia doesn't want to take over anybody. Of course, some Eastern European political elite still leaves in Cold War mentality, just like US does (at least it did during Bush years), but time passes and things change.

Well, Kremlin has cold-war mentality as well- it's trying to rival USA (too bad they aren't even in the same league ), tries to instal satelite-states, sometimes uses cold-war rethorics against post-warsaw pact countries (like in missle shield case)...

i think having russia as part of any team is a good idea
they have heaps of resources and arms

I'd welcome some kind of wider economic agreement with Russia.

[Exarch]

no, because then we would have to pwn them for trying to become more powerful then us

if the euros play their cards right, they could get russia in as a member of the EU
or at worst, a joint EU-russia alliance

[cegorach]

Short answer is NO, not in this shape at least and not in foreseenable future.

If it falls apart some parts could join eventually, but that is unlikely to happen.

Finally to be in the NATO you need to be democratic and accept at least some of the common goals of the alliance, neither applies to Russian Federation.

[Poach]

Short answer is NO, not in this shape at least and not in foreseenable future.

If it falls apart some parts could join eventually, but that is unlikely to happen.

Where have you been for the last 20 odd years? The USSR is long dead and split into a multitude of different countries. The Russian Federation that is left is comprised mainly of the peoples who didn't break away when the USSR broke up.

[cegorach]

Where have you been for the last 20 odd years? The USSR is long dead and split into a multitude of different countries. The Russian Federation that is left is comprised mainly of the peoples who didn't break away when the USSR broke up.

Who said anything about the Soviet Union ?

As I said before Russian Federation doesn't fit in the Alliance.

[Darkhorse]

They may join a military alliance with Europe. But I doubt they will sign such an alliance with the US or NATO. To be honest, they are far more likely either to join an military agreement with Asia or the Middle East, or join a all new European/Russian/perhaps the US alliance seeing as NATO is the alliance designed to counter aggression from Russia. Things have changed yes, the USSR is no longer the big red scare bear, which on its own arguably should mean the end of NATO. But I think its still a long long way to go before the Russians are completely friendly, they are still worried about the NATO threat for a start.

[Stavroforos]

I don't think so, and I hope they won't. A global alliance which is controlled by America is only good for...you guessed it...

[Romano-Dacis]

I don't think so, and I hope they won't. A global alliance which is controlled by America is only good for...you guessed it...

... Albania?

[Tiberios]

... Albania?

Haha good one

Anyway, as long as the relations between the West and Russia are as they are now then I don't think Russia wil. But if relations in the future gets better who knows.

[Gertrudius]

Cleaned and reopened. Now please stay on topic!

I encourage you guys to start a new thread in the Academy to discuss the tangent.

[Exarch]

besides,
russia is already a part of another NATO
the SCO-the one controlled by China

[The.Delegate]

I hope Russia does not join NATO. Besides they won't while the current situation exists with NATO/US attempting to encircle Russia and China in eastern europe and central asia. There's too many hard feelings and conflicting interests.