This chapter traces the evolution of Russian thinking on deterrence and makes three arguments. First, the Russian approach to deterrence differs from the Western conceptualization of this term. Deterrence a la Ruse is much broader than the meaning that Western experts have in mind. It stands for the …

After the unconditional surrender of the Third Reich in May 1945, Germany no longer existed as a sovereign, independent nation. It was occupied by the four Allied powers: France, Great Britain, the United States and the Soviet Union. When it came to the postwar European recovery, the biggest obstacle …

This dissertation is focused on the relations between the European Union and the Russian Federation in light of the recent developments in Ukraine. The research provides evidence on the relations between these parties, keeping the dissolution of the Soviet Union in mind. It looks at various theories …

After the failure of the League of Nations after World War I, the Allied powers (the United Kingdom, the United States and the Soviet Union) came together to form a new international organization – the United Nations - that could save future generations from war and the atrocities experienced during …

This thesis describes the history of the Soviet Union, the enlargement of the EU and NATO and the possible factors that have influenced Russia’s decision to commit the invasion of Georgia in 2008 and to annex the Crimea in 2014. The central question of the research compares the two responses from the …

This research analyses the situation of the Russian minority in Lithuania. Lithuania is a post-soviet country and a neighbour of the Russian Federation that has been feeling threats due to Russia´s actions in Ukraine and its overall policies for its near abroad and compatriots. As a country with a Russian …

The aim of this paper is to reflect on Russian-OSCE relations and how this has changed from Russia's constructive engagement to gradual disillusionment. The history of Russia’s engagement in the OSCE is traced back to the founding of the organisation in 1975, while there is particular focus on the Yeltsin …

Even before the current issue in Ukraine started, the country had to choose between the European Union and the Russian Federation. Russia wanted Ukraine in its own union, and Europe wanted closer cooperation with Ukraine in the form of an agreement. The European Union does not have any perspective for …

The western, capitalistic world has been trying to influence the political values of the Russian government since the collapse of the Soviet Union, advocating for implementation of a strong democracy and improvement of human rights. Putin has been active in the centre of power of Russia since he became …

The Turkish Republic has a great history with major defeats and victories in its past. Since the fourteenth century Turkey was part of the Ottoman Empire. During the following centuries, the Empire expanded and covered areas which are nowadays known as Europe, Asia and North Africa. The twentieth century …