Written evidence from Hoffmann G Wattara (RUS0045)
SUBMISSION OF EVIDENCE
United Kingdom relation with Russia
As someone who has been a political activist over the last decade and has been following Russian international engagement since 2007; today as a UK citizen and mature student of International Politics and Security Studies at the University of Sheffield. I take this opportunity as a submission for my Parliamentary Study assignment to make a submission of evidence to add my modest contribution to the ongoing inquiry of the Foreign Select Committee into the United Kingdom relation with Russia.
This submission will focus on Russians foreign policy objectives and highlight different key areas to give the committee a broader understanding of Russian foreign policy from my perspective. Nevertheless, the submission recommends that the United Kingdom stay closer to the European Union in order to protect the North Atlantic Organisation (NATO) which is an integral part of United Kingdom security.
1-Russia foreign objectives
Russia does not want to be ignored in international politics; its foreign policy is not to stand against the United States but to be treated as an equal partner. To do so, Russia builds a friendly relationship with countries that have the same objectives. Beside Ukraine and Syria; the establishment of the BRICS and sudden military aids to countries like Iran, is something the commission might look at.
2- Russia-Ukraine
Russia naval base is located in Sevastopol which is in Crimea under an agreement after the collapse of the Soviet Union; the place was leased to the Russian federation. The base is a strategic location for Russia to gain access to the Black Sea. Its nuclear submarine and other heavy weapons are all located in Sevastopol. Thus, Crimea becomes a key important part of Russia national defensive strategy. I think, when Russia realised that it was about to lose its influence in Ukraine at the expense of the European Union and the United States; Putin a former kgb agent and president of the Russian federation reacted quickly by annexing Crimea in order to keep that geostrategic location. History also demonstrated that Russia has always fought to keep that geological location.
3-Relation with the European Union
Russia’s relation with the Europe Union has two faces.
The first one is that Russia sees Europe as a partner it can work with. Russia also has a good relation with Germany and studies suggest that both countries ‘need each other’. It is also important to note that before the enlargement of the European Union to the former Soviet Countries; Russia enjoyed a very good relation with old Europe. I argue that it is the same old relation which making Russia reluctances to see Europe as a threat. However, the old relationship allows the European Union to have an influence on Russia’s behaviour, especially in Ukraine in regards to the implementation of the Minsk agreement.
The second face is that Russia finds itself competing with Europe. As being in part a European country with no prospect of joining the European Union and the new enlargement that included new members and all of them former Soviet countries; In order not to be isolated, Russia decided to create a new organisation that is capable of challenging the European Union. This is also recognised by the European Commission in the letter sent by Elżbieta BIEŃKOWSKA to Lord Boswell of Aynho (Chairman of the European Union Select Committee House of Lords). Furthermore, Europe does not only want to have a good relationship with Russia, it considers Russia as a European country with the same geographic and cultural Identity. Thus, I argue that in case of a collapse of the European Union, Russia might be the winner. The submission recommends the Committee that; it would be worth looking to see if Russia as a country can work with the United Kingdom.
4-Russia-China
Russia relations with China are based on common interests. There is no real friendship. Seeing itself being pushed away from the European Union, Russia need a strong partner like China in order to be counted as a regional power. China also needs Russia in order to stand against the United States.
Both Countries are the founding members of the BRICS bank and the China-led Asia Infrastructure and Investment Bank (AIIB). Even though Britain is a member of the AIIB, we cannot rule out that the bank itself is NOT a threat to IMF and the World Bank.
The submission recommends that the Committee look at whether a possibility of developing A healthy relationship between Russia and the United Kingdom should be our priority.
5-Russia-USA
Russia’s relation with the United States is defensive. It recognises US position in the World but want its interest to be respected. In this case, I think Russia want to be treated by the United States the same way as Europe is treated. They would welcome Donald trump’s approach of friendship.
6-Russia-Middle east
Russia is in the Middle East to protect its interest, especially in Syria and Iraq. Its relation with Iran is carefully examined because of its friendship with Israel. However, many politicians and academics have argued that Russia is asserting its position in international politics as a global leader that cannot be ignored. This could be true because Russia’s engagement in Syria, by reopening its military base and offering weapons to Iran, Iraq and Syria to help them combat ISIS may not only be for the protection of the interest of these countries; it could also be furthering Russia influence in the area. Therefore, I think, the submission recommend that the Committee not to rule out Russia’s ambitions to dominate the whole area.
7-Russia-UK
Russia’s relation with the UK is the same as that with old Europe. It does not trust the UK due to the UK special relation with the US and NATO.
At the end of December 2015: The Russian president signed an executive order that highlights the major threat to the country’s national security. This was based on ‘NATO military build up’ at its border. However, the strategy clearly shows that Russia consider the US and its Allies as a threat to national security. The order signed should be taken into account when analysing Russia relation with Europe.
8-Russia- Media
Russian domestic media is free; however, they have less space to operate as headline news is always overshadowed by the main media which is controlled by state affiliates.
Russian Television (RT) policy objective is to counter the Western Media in International Politics has three elements.
1- Giving air space to local minority politicians and activists in respective countries where they are licensed to broadcast.
2- It started with the use of attractive Russian ladies with Western English accent or other ethnics who have a strong connection to Russia.
3- Western journalist connected to Russia without the RT logo.
These strategies seem to be working perfectly at the moment. RT is now full established as one of the main media in the UK. However, RT undermines the government; propagates the opposition at the expense of the government foreign policy.
To sum up, Dr Lewis made a strong point when he stated that “The UK needs a vastly improved cadre of experts who can help to provide an effective response to the challenges which Russia now poses.” It is evident that Russian behaviour in international politics is a direct threat to UK. In this case the United Kingdom needs to find a way of minimising these threats. However, this submission recommends the committee to consider Dr Lewis’s recommendation.
9-Recomandation
The United Kingdom, whether in the European Union or not, must do everything to make sure NATO remain the only collective defence organisation in Europe. This submission recommends that the Committee consider whether this should be the main focus of our foreign policy in order to counter Russia growing influence in Europe.
(If there are any issues where the Committee think that I can contribute, please contact me.)
December 2016
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