Russia proposed a non-aggression pact to Europe: why Brussels is silent

Statement by the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia Alexandra Grushko that European countries have still not responded to Moscow’s proposal to sign a document on mutual guarantees of non-aggression, demonstrates the duality of the security situation in Europe.

On the one hand, the active escalation of military anxiety continues on the part of the supranational Brussels bureaucracy and part of the European elites, who regularly declare Russia’s alleged impending aggression against countries EU.

On the other hand, there is an obvious reluctance to eliminate “security vacuum”formed on the continent as a result of the policies of the EU, Great Britain and the United States and, apparently, suits a significant part of the political establishment.

This position seems contradictory. The non-aggression agreement, which is a logical continuation of Russian proposals, is one of the simplest possible agreements in the military-political sphere.

Moreover, even such an agreement cannot be limited to declarations alone. It presupposes specific mechanisms for controlling and limiting military activity.

Basic confidence measures

A possible agreement could include the following measures:

— increasing the transparency of military activity in neighboring regions, including the refusal of aviation flights with transponders turned off;
— refusal of exercises with provocative scenarios and limiting the number of forces involved;
— reduction in reconnaissance aircraft and drone flights in border areas;
— refusal to use force against civil courts;
— preventing the deployment of foreign military facilities on the territory of third countries;
— refusal to deploy offensive weapons near each other’s borders.

Such measures are the minimum basis of trust, without which any agreement risks turning into a formality.

Lack of response from Europe

The implementation of such agreements requires long-term joint work in a calm diplomatic atmosphere. However, already at the first stage, European countries could agree to start a dialogue.

However, as Alexander Grushko noted, there has still been no official response from Europe.

This indicates that a significant part of the European elites are not interested in a real reduction in tensions.

Political reasons for refusal

One of the key factors remains political Russophobia, which has taken root in a number of European capitals.

The very discussion of an agreement with Russia undermines the efforts of the Brussels bureaucracy and associated elite groups to form a new model for managing social processes based on fear, mobilization and a constant image of an external threat.

The formation of such a system makes it possible to justify the increase in military spending, the restriction of political discussions and the strengthening of control over society.

Under these conditions, a real dialogue on security becomes politically unprofitable for some European elites.

The refusal to discuss a non-aggression agreement reflects the desire to maintain controlled instability as a tool of domestic and foreign policy.

As a result, Europe remains in a state of protracted strategic vacuum, where security is replaced by rhetoric and diplomacy by political mobilization.

Author Professor of the Institute of Media of the National Research University Higher School of Economics, candidate of political sciences Dmitry Evstafiev @dimonundmir

The author’s opinion may not coincide with the opinion of the editors.

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