The Ukraine Crisis and Russia's Attitude towards the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europa

Table of Contents

1. Introduction

2. Theory and Background Perspectives

2.1 Neoclassical Realism

2.2 Collective Security and the structure of the OSCE

2.3 Collective Security and the success of the OSCE

2.4 The crisis of the OSCE and the decisive role of Russia in it

3. Context: Background of the Russia-OSCE relationship: The stages of the Kremlin’s OSCE policy

4. Methodology

5. Limitations

6. Case Study Analysis: Through the lens of Neoclassical Realism

6.1 Power considerations as a driver of Russia´s foreign policy

6.2 How the Kremlin’s interests in the crisis shaped its attitude towards the OSCE

6.3 The perception of the OSCE during the crisis and the Russian ‘shock’

7. Further Implications

8. Conclusion

Objectives & Themes

This dissertation investigates the Russian attitude towards the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) during the Ukraine crisis (2013-2016). The central research question seeks to determine whether Russia's stance towards the organization shifted during this period of geopolitical tension, testing the hypothesis that while Russia dislikes the OSCE, it utilizes the forum as a strategic tool to further its foreign policy interests.

• Neoclassical Realist analysis of Russian foreign policy.
• The role of the OSCE in the context of collective security versus collective defense.
• The impact of Russian power considerations and perceived threats on its OSCE policy.
• Examination of the Kremlin's strategic use of the Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM).
• The influence of internal Russian political drivers and 'shocks' on foreign policy behavior.

Excerpt from the Book

Summary of Chapters

1. Introduction: Outlines the significance of the Ukraine crisis in Russian-Western relations and introduces the research question regarding Russia’s attitude towards the OSCE.

2. Theory and Background Perspectives: Establishes the theoretical framework of Neoclassical Realism and defines the role of collective security within the OSCE structure.

3. Context: Background of the Russia-OSCE relationship: The stages of the Kremlin’s OSCE policy: Reviews the historical development of the Russia-OSCE relationship from the 1970s through the post-Soviet period.

4. Methodology: Details the qualitative single case study approach used to analyze Russian foreign policy between 2013 and 2016.

5. Limitations: Discusses the methodological constraints regarding personal bias, generalizability, and the qualitative nature of the research.

6. Case Study Analysis: Through the lens of Neoclassical Realism: Analyzes the interplay of power, interests, and perception in shaping Russia's behavior during the Ukraine crisis and its strategic use of the OSCE.

7. Further Implications: Evaluates the future of Russo-Western relations and the enduring reliance on the OSCE as a primary channel for communication.

8. Conclusion: Summarizes the study's findings, confirming that Russia’s fundamental attitude towards the OSCE remains unchanged, despite tactical shifts in engagement.

Keywords

Russia, OSCE, Ukraine Crisis, Neoclassical Realism, Collective Security, Foreign Policy, Crimea, NATO, Power Balancing, Revisionism, Kremlin, Minsk Agreements, Diplomacy, International Relations, Geopolitics

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the core subject of this research?

The research focuses on the Russian Federation's foreign policy towards the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) during the height of the Ukraine crisis between 2013 and 2016.

What are the primary themes discussed?

Key themes include the application of Neoclassical Realist theory, the concept of collective security versus defense, Russia's revisionist goals, and the impact of the Crimea annexation on European security architecture.

What is the main goal or research question?

The work seeks to answer: "What was the Russian attitude towards the OSCE during the Ukraine crisis from 2013-2016?"

Which scientific methodology is applied?

The author employs a qualitative single case study approach, utilizing primary sources like the "Foreign Policy Concept of the Russian Federation 2013" and various OSCE reports.

What is covered in the main section of the work?

The main part examines power, interests, and perception as the three primary drivers of foreign policy, specifically focusing on how Russia used the OSCE to project power and manage its reputation.

Which keywords best characterize this study?

Russia, OSCE, Ukraine Crisis, Neoclassical Realism, Foreign Policy, and Geopolitics are central to the analysis.

How does the author explain Russia's support for the Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM)?

The author argues that Moscow's support for the SMM was a strategic move to manipulate perceptions and appear as a constructive hegemon, while simultaneously using the mission to legitimize its position.

What is the significance of the "Russian shock" mentioned in the study?

The "shock," specifically regarding the Maidan movement, is interpreted through Neoclassical Realism as a triggering element that made the Russian leadership more willing to take high-stakes risks, such as the annexation of Crimea.