MOSCOW (Boris Shmelev for RIA Novosti) - Russia and Europe have been discussing their relations for centuries and will not stop soon.
Their relations can be analyzed in the philosophical, political, cultural and historical context, and the conclusion is always the same: The history of the two parties is closely interlinked and their reciprocal influence is without parallel.
They have always been attracted to each other. Russia saw Europe as a model for emulation. The Russian political class knew very well that Russia lagged behind Europe and hoped to rally European support for bridging the gap.
Europe saw Russia as a giant and not always understandable country with rich resources, a vast market, an original culture and indigenous and interesting people.
But there were many things that kept them apart. Russia fought numerous battles against the geopolitical onslaught of Europe, including Sweden under Charles XII, France led by Napoleon, the British Empire, and Kaiser and Hitler Germany. It won all of those battles, including against Hitler.
Victory in the Second World War strengthened the geopolitical and strategic positions of the Soviet Union (Russia) in Europe unprecedentedly. But it also increased fear of its might, which eventually brought the European nations together.
Russia-Europe interaction did not stop even during the Cold War. Soviet Communist Party members proclaimed the inevitable victory of communism, which they pictured with due regard for the social, political and economic realities of Western Europe. European public opinion acted as the political opposition in the Soviet Union, which had no opposition of its own. Human rights, respect for the individual and law, and ideas of humanism came from Europe and gradually settled in the minds of the intellectual part of Soviet society. At the same time, the ideas of social equality and justice, which were lauded in the Soviet Union, influenced the European public.
But there came a day when the Soviet Union disintegrated and a new state, Russia, evolved from its ruins. It abandoned the ideas of communism and proclaimed the policy of creating a democratic state by a European fashion. There was a promise of new quality of Russia-Europe relations, without old fears and mutual suspicion and prejudice. Alas, it did not materialize.
Mistrust persisted despite numerous statements and declarations that included many correct words about the importance of and need for cooperation. The European public developed a negative view of Russia. The Baltic states, which pursue an openly provocative policy with regard to Russia, are a mouthpiece of European sentiments and plans. We should not be so naive as to think that the Baltics, which are members of the EU and NATO, nevertheless act on their own initiative and as they see fit. If that were so, Moscow would have easily disregarded their snipes.
However, they are certainly acting as the instrument of pressure on Russia. The Baltics' statements are fully supported in Europe; nobody has called them to order. It appears that some very influential political forces in Europe would like Russia to lose control and start fighting with the Baltic states. In this case, EU, NATO and OSCE structures could be set against it or order Russia to its place.
Such actions encourage anti-Western sentiments and nationalism in Russia, which hinders the development of democracy in Russian society. Why provoke such actions? Europe need not flirt with Russia, pandering to elements of inertia and traditionalism and attempts to conserve the past. This would be a disservice to it.
Russia is waiting for intelligent and considered European advice, rather than endless arrogant criticism. The country is going through a difficult stage of modernization, of which there have been many in its history. But this involves particular strain. Much has been done in the 14 years since the collapse of communism and the disintegration of the Soviet Union. Russia is a new country. It could have done more and could have avoided many mistakes. This is true. But importantly the vector of its development was chosen correctly: the country is moving using European values.
Why then is Europe so aggressive toward Russia? Which is the true face of Europe? Did we see it in Moscow, where the heads of state and government of nearly all European countries came to celebrate VE-Day and demonstrated unity with Russia, or in the statements by the EU leaders who demanded that Russia apologize for the Soviet Union's occupation of the Baltic states?
First, Russia does not accept ultimatums. And second, there was no occupation and hence Russia has nothing to beg forgiveness for and will not pay any compensation to the Baltics. Russia does not owe anything to anyone, and it would be useless to pressurize it, because this could only undermine Russia's relations with the EU, NATO and possibly the whole of Europe. I do not think this would benefit Europe - or Russia, for that matter.
Where are the roots of Europe's aggressive attitude to Russia? One of the speakers at a research conference, Russia and Europe, which was held in Poland in mid-April this year, gave a clear-cut and laconic answer: 'We (Europe) fear Russia. We are afraid of it.'
It could not have been put any better. Europe fears a weak Russia because chaos could spread across its borders. But it fears a strong Russia even more, because a strong Russia will speak with its own voice and influence the policy of Europe. A strong Russia would be a geopolitical rival of united Europe. It remains a potential adversary to many people in Europe, which is why NATO keeps - just in case - 17,000 tanks and 6,000 aircraft in combat readiness. They will not be used to fight terrorists but as an argument in dealing with Russia.
This mistrust, and sometimes hostility, must be overcome. Russia is an independent and self-sufficient civilization that cannot become dissolved in Europe without losing its identity. This would signify the end of Russia. Yet it does not have a future without close cooperation with Europe either. So, what is the solution to this conundrum?
It is apparent: We must stop viewing each other as geopolitical adversaries. This could lead Russia-Europe relations into a dead-end, suiting only those who want to destroy European democracy and culture.
The parties must find a historical compromise. They must stop viewing each other as geopolitical adversaries, let alone enemies. They are self-sufficient geopolitical entities that can become allies. The only thing they need for this is the political will.
Professor Boris Shmelev is director of the Center of Political Studies.
The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and may not necessarily represent the opinions of the editorial board.
