The fifth wave of NATO expansion into Eastern Europe and its effect on Russian security policies in Eastern Europe

This study contributes to the policy formulation debates and academic analyses within the field of international relations, facilitating a deeper comprehension of the evolving dynamics between NATO and Russia. It investigates the impact of NATO's expansion on Russia's security policies in Eastern Europe, employing the analytical frameworks of neorealism and ontological security. The objective is to evaluate how the enlargement of NATO has influenced Russia's strategic considerations and policy formulations within this geostrategic context. This study delves into the reactions and perspectives of the Russian government, with a primary focus on the viewpoints of Vladimir Putin as the head of state. The research observes noticeable shifts in Russia's positions and policies resulting from the evolving landscape due to NATO expansion. This is achieved through careful examination of Russia's security-oriented documents, encompassing defence and foreign policy doctrines, in addition to scrutinizing alterations in Russia's security policies but also investigates the intricate interplay between these modifications and NATO expansion in Eastern Europe. The findings of the thesis reveal that the Russian state has methodically adjusted its security policies in response to NATO's actions, aiming to mitigate the influence of NATO in the region while concurrently enhancing Russia's global standing. Analysis of President Putin's speeches distinctly highlights Russia's stance on the military challenges posed by NATO and the perceived risks to Russian identity attributed to Western influence stemming from NATO's enlargement. These perspectives underscore the Russian leadership's perception of both the military ramifications of NATO's actions and the potential erosion of Russia's identity due to the increasing Western influence. Therefore, Russia's foreign policy trajectory has shifted from a relatively moderate stance in the early 2000s to a more assertive one by 2008. This transformation is attributed to NATO's expansion and increased Western influence into the Eastern Block, which challenged Russia's historical control in the region. As such, this study contends that Russa's calculated responses to NATO's expansion underscore the intricate interplay between security considerations and the preservation of ontological identity. The analysis of President Putin's statements offers insights into how Russia's recognition of the multifaceted risks posed by NATO's expansion and its corresponding efforts to address these concerns. Notably, the strategic shift towards a more assertive foreign policy in 2008 can be interpreted as a reaction to NATO's mounting influence in Eastern Europe, potentially undermining Russia's prevailing influence.