ArmInfo.The U.N. Security Council's apparent inability to perform its functions as an agency ensuring global security and the lifeless OSCE necessitate developing new approaches to creating an effective European security system, Garik Keryan, Professor of Political Science, Department of International Relations, Yerevan State University, said in an interview with ArmInfo.
"It is obvious that the present politico-military escalation in Europe is the result of a crisis of the European security system and absence of effective cooperation between the West and Russia. And the West strongly believes that Russia is responsible for that. I have to note that Russia is far from being totally responsible, and Washington and Brussels share responsibility for what is going on as well," Mr Keryan said.
Even before the Ukraine war Moscow had repeatedly displayed its willingness to develop a comprehensive and constructive dialogue with NATO, the USA and EU over regional and global security. In response, they showed a selective approach to security guarantees by being willing to negotiate arms control and incident prevention, whereas distancing themselves from the Moscow-prioritized issue of NATO expansion.
With respect to Moscow's hard-line stance, Mr Keryan stressed that ever-lasting confrontation with the West has never been in Russia's interests, especially in the context of the tremendous damage caused by the sanctions. All this fosters awareness of a need for equal talks between Russia and the West over forming a "non-aligned" security system in Europe, with the interests of Russia and other nations considered.
"It seems that that the United States and its allies will once more consider Russia's security initiatives in a constructive manner to dispel Moscow's fears. Such an approach would facilitate launching an effective dialogue to create a region of stability and security from Lisbon to Vladivostok. After all, Western strategists should realize that no security architecture is possible either in Europe or throughout the world without considering the interests of a Russia-like nuclear power. So equal talks with the Kremlin are a requirement," Mr Keryan said.