Pacer, VA; (2014) Putin and Medvedev’s policies towards Euro-Atlantic security: between continuity and change, 2000-2012. Doctoral thesis , UCL (University College London).

Abstract

In this thesis, I examine the Euro-Atlantic security policies of Russian presidents Vladimir Putin and Dmitry Medvedev from 2000-2012 and argue that there are differences in the policies of the two men. Understanding the differences and why they exist, while also recognising the points of continuity between the two presidencies, is particularly important in light of Putin’s return to the presidency in 2012 and the implications that his return has for the direction of Russia’s security policy towards the Euro-Atlantic region during his current term in office. By acknowledging the differences between the policies of the two men, greater insight into the Medvedev period and his contributions to Russian policy in an area of great strategic importance to Russia can be gained. This thesis uses discourse analysis and elite interviews to provide a comparative analysis of the two presidencies. By examining the leaders’ actions towards Russia’s security interests in the region, the frozen conflicts in the post-Soviet space, the Euro-Atlantic organizations addressing security issues (the OSCE and NATO), the regional security framework, and the issue of nuclear weapons and missile defence in Russian security policy, points of continuity and change in the policies of the two men can be seen. There are several key differences that can be seen between the policies of the two men. During the Medvedev period, Russian engagement with the frozen conflicts in the post-Soviet Republics increased, particularly in the case of Nagorno-Karabakh. Medvedev also chose to highlight areas of cooperation with the region’s security organizations, while never completely abandoning Putin’s negativism towards them. Most importantly, Medvedev introduced his European Security Treaty proposal, a major initiative which although building on existing ideas, includes some unique elements and stands as an example of Russian agenda-setting on the issue of Euro-Atlantic security.

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