Read all three parts of Section II by clicking on the DOWNLOADS below.
1. What the West Must Do with Russia
The United States and its European partners need a realistic policy towards Russia and the common neighborhood that is based not on hopes or ideology but on a sober analysis of the nature of the Russian regime, the domestic challenges and foreign policy dilemmas of post-Soviet countries, and their own common and diverging interests. It should be guided by recognition that for the foreseeable future, Putin is here to stay, and that for the moment, a Europe whole, free and at peace is neither possible with or against Putin’s Russia. Western policy thus must encompass short-term strategies to deal with Putin’s Russia today, while laying the groundwork for a post-Putin Russia tomorrow. This calls for tactical flexibility and strategic patience. In this section we offer specific recommendations, a number of which are elaborated by our fellow authors in subsequent chapters.
2. What the West Must Do with the Common Neighborhood
Pursuing an overarching Western policy towards the common neighborhood is difficult because of the region’s great diversity. Each country is different and faces different problems. Nonetheless, some broad principles are relevant across the region. Western policymakers need to adopt specific policies for each of the individual countries in the region, within a broadly consistent short, middle-term and long-term approach that supports societal transformation.
This run is a marathon, but some quick sprints are necessary. The most pressing task for the West is to help Ukraine make its transition a success. Ukraine is a key state for the entire region. In the region more broadly, Western countries need to discourage Kremlin coercion of neighbors and encourage countries willing to make tough choices for reform. They will need to make more effective use of the tools they have, and acquire new ones relevant to current challenges. They need to tie short-term priorities to long-term perspectives. This will require persistence, patience, and consistent engagement.
3. What the West Must Do for Itself
Eastern policy begins at home. The best way the United States and ist European partners can act together vis-a-vis Europe’s east is by getting their respective acts together in the West. The EU’s seeming inability to deal with challenges to its unity and its vibrancy threatens to drain U.S. confidence in Europe and its institutions and derail American support for major transatlantic policy initiatives. Similarly, if the United States proves unable to revive its economy and break its debilitating political deadlocks, Washington is unlikely to be the type of consistent, outwardlooking partner that Europeans need and want. Economic and political turmoil at home also undermines the influence of the United States and Europe elsewhere, since the normative appeal and continued relevance of Western models for others depends heavily on how well they work for their own people.
