NATO Enlargement Problems Towards The East: Position Of Germany And France

Abstract

After the Cold War, NATO's existence and possible enlargement brought a new round of discourse among states, experts, scholars and etc. Almost 3 decades later, NATO became larger almost 2.5 times. Countries with Soviet past, like Baltic states, appeared under the NATO umbrella. At the same time, two other post-Soviet states, Georgia and Ukraine, want to become a NATO member and enjoy Alliance protection and Article 5. But the path to membership is complicated for these countries: in one hand, both have territorial conflicts with Russia and Russia considers them as his "near abroad" and tries to prevent their possible membership, because it is a threat to its security. On the other hand, NATO member states position towards Georgia and Ukraine is contradictious. Two leading nations in Europe - Germany and France, every time block Georgia and Ukraine in NATO. This paper analyzes the NATO enlargement problems towards the East and the factors, which influence Franco-German negative position. "Enlargement and Integration Capacity" framework is used as a theoretical framework. The framework, which is developed by Schimmelfennig focuses on EU enlargement capacity, both internal (EU itself) and external (aspirant countries). This is relevant also for NATO enlargement process as similar factors turn out here as supporting (country's democratization level, inhabitants’ willingness to defend mutually shared values and their support for the country’s membership and etc.) or hindering (veto players). This study pays in-depth attention also to Georgian and Ukrainian perceptions, their level of preparation for membership, political and military preparedness. The paper provides analysis of NATO-Russian, Russia-France and Russia-Germany relations and visions.