NATO and Russia allying appear almost unthinkable. Decades of mutual mistrust, historical animosities, and conflicting interests have contributed to a deep-seated rivalry between the two powers. However, amidst this backdrop of antagonism, some experts and policymakers have begun to ponder whether an alliance between NATO and Russia is even remotely possible, and if so, what it would entail. NATO and Russia could never become allies.

NATO-Russia relations. The end of the Cold War brought hopes of cooperation and a new era of peace, symbolized by the dissolution of the Soviet Union. However, those dreams quickly faded as NATO expanded its membership eastward, drawing closer to Russia’s borders. This enlargement was perceived by Moscow as a direct threat to its security and sovereignty, and it deepened the mistrust between the two sides.

The Crimea Crisis and Frozen Conflicts

One of the most significant turning points in NATO-Russia relations was the 2014 annexation of Crimea by Russia and the subsequent war in eastern Ukraine. This event shook the foundations of European security and led to the imposition of sanctions on Russia by NATO countries. The ongoing frozen conflicts in Transnistria, South Ossetia, and Abkhazia further added to the complications and mistrust.

Diverging Interests: Energy, Eastern Europe, and Cybersecurity

The interests of NATO and Russia frequently collide on several critical fronts. Energy dominance in Europe, especially with Russia’s vast natural gas reserves and significant influence on energy prices, becomes a sticking point in negotiations. Additionally, the status of Eastern European countries and the deployment of military assets in the region have been constant sources of tension.

Furthermore, cybersecurity threats, allegations of election interference, and suspected state-sponsored hacking campaigns have further soured relations between the two sides.

Shifting Global Dynamics

While historical tensions persist, global dynamics have also shifted, prompting some to consider the possibility of a NATO-Russia alliance. The rise of China as a global power has sparked concerns among both NATO and Russia. Common challenges like terrorism, climate change, and pandemics require international cooperation, raising questions about the potential benefits of an alliance.

Public Opinion and Domestic Politics

Public perception plays a significant role in determining the feasibility of such an alliance. In NATO member countries, public sentiment toward Russia is often negative due to past actions and perceived aggression. Similarly, within Russia, anti-NATO sentiment is fueled by historical grievances and fear of encirclement. Domestic political factors in both camps can hinder any potential rapprochement.

Rebuilding Trust: A Long and Complex Process

For NATO and Russia to become allies, rebuilding trust is paramount. Confidence-building measures, open communication channels, and diplomatic dialogue are essential components of this process. Addressing historical grievances and finding common ground on critical issues may be the first steps toward laying the foundation for an unlikely alliance.

Pragmatic Cooperation: A Step Forward

Despite the complexities, pragmatic cooperation between NATO and Russia has occurred in limited instances. This includes joint efforts in counter-terrorism, disaster relief, and managing arms control agreements like New START. These small steps of cooperation may offer a glimmer of hope for more extensive collaboration in the future.

The Role of Diplomacy and Mediation

International organizations and third-party actors can play a vital role in facilitating dialogue and mediation between NATO and Russia. Engaging in multilateral forums, such as the United Nations, could provide an environment conducive to discussing common interests and concerns.

The Impact of Leadership

Leadership plays a critical role in international relations. Shifts in leadership on either side could bring about changes in approach and a willingness to engage in dialogue. Personal rapport between leaders might also influence the course of diplomacy.

NATO and Russia becoming allies may appear inconceivable, given their long history of antagonism and conflicting interests. Nonetheless, as the global landscape evolves and new challenges emerge, pragmatic cooperation and dialogue become increasingly essential. Rebuilding trust and finding common ground will be a difficult but crucial path towards stability and global security. While an alliance may seem far-fetched at present, history has shown that geopolitical dynamics can undergo unexpected transformations. The future of NATO-Russia relations remains uncertain, but the pursuit of peace and cooperation should remain at the forefront of international efforts.