EU and Russian Hegemony in the 'Shared Neighbourhood'
Between Coercion, Prescription, and Co-optation
- Open Access
- 2024
- Open Access
- Book
- Author
- Isabell Burmester
- Book Series
- The European Union in International Affairs
- Publisher
- Springer Nature Switzerland
About this book
This open access book examines the EU’s and Russia’s policies in Eastern Europe and the South Caucasus through the prism of hegemony, a concept that it applies to both regional actors. The study cross fertilises the literatures on the EU neighbourhood policy, Russia’s foreign policy, and the scholarship on power in international relations to arrive at an innovative conceptualisation of the mechanisms of hegemonic power. The comparative lens of the analysis leads to novel findings that advance our understanding of the EU’s and Russia’s behaviour in the EU’s Eastern neighbourhood. In this book, the existing, separate theorisations are subsumed under more generic terms and concepts, thereby rendering EU and Russian modes of influence comparable for empirical analysis. The comprehensive conceptual framework of hegemonic power in shared neighbourhoods is based on three ideal typical mechanisms of hegemonic influence: coercion, prescription, and co-optation. To understand the nature of EU and Russian hegemony in the region, the uses of the three mechanisms by Russia and the EU towards two neighbourhood countries are compared. The focus is laid on EU and Russian actions towards Moldova and Armenia since the beginning of the 2000s and the local perceptions of these actions. Thus, the comparative case study provides insights into the longer developments in this regional order that led to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022. The book is intended for scholars and students interested in understanding the broader context of Russia’s war in Ukraine. Because of its contribution to the debate on regional powers in shared neighbourhoods, it is particularly useful for researchers analysing the (changing) power dynamics and hegemonic behaviour in this regional order. Furthermore, it offers other scholars an analytical framework to work with when analysing the policies of different regional powers.
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Table of Contents
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Chapter 1. Introduction: Russia’s War in Ukraine and the “Shared Neighbourhood” in a Historical Context
- Open Access
Download PDF-versionThe chapter begins with a personal account of the author witnessing Russia's recognition of the Donetsk and Luhansk republics in 2022, setting the stage for a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. It then delves into the historical context of EU and Russian influence in the region, tracing back to the end of Russian/Soviet imperialism and the establishment of the EU's Eastern neighbourhood policy. The text explores the complex interplay of historical legacies, economic interdependencies, and cultural ties that shape the current dynamics. It also highlights the competition between the EU and Russia for influence, with a focus on the countries of Moldova, Armenia, and Georgia. The chapter concludes by setting the stage for a systematic comparison of EU and Russian influence in the region, emphasizing the need to look at historical legacies to understand their current power projection.AI Generated
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AbstractThis chapter provides an introductory exploration of the historical context underlying the EU and Russian influence in their “shared neighbourhood”, particularly against the backdrop of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. It outlines the legacy of Russian/Soviet imperialism, which facilitated Russia's continued influence in the region post-imperialism, contrasted with the EU's use of its enlargement and neighbourhood policies to project its power. The chapter reviews pertinent literature, illustrating that conceptualisations of EU and Russian influence developed independently, particularly at the meso-level. It argues that the current conflict in Ukraine is embedded within a larger regional dynamic where EU and Russian influences intersect, shaped by historical, economic, and cultural legacies. The chapter emphasises the necessity of a historical perspective to comprehend contemporary EU and Russian influence, setting the stage for a systematic comparison of their respective hegemonic power mechanisms. -
Chapter 2. EU, Russia, and the Theory of Hegemonic Power
- Open Access
Download PDF-versionThe chapter delves into the theoretical underpinnings of hegemony and power, highlighting the need for a generic framework to compare EU and Russian influence in neighbouring countries. It introduces the concept of hegemonic power and outlines three ideal-typical mechanisms—coercion, prescription, and co-optation—to understand how regional powers exercise their influence. The author argues that these mechanisms are essential for a systematic comparison of hegemonic strategies, emphasizing the importance of understanding the specific contexts and historical conditions that shape these dynamics. By using ideal types as a conceptual tool, the chapter offers a nuanced analysis of the similarities and differences between EU and Russian hegemonic power, making it a standout resource for scholars and practitioners in the field of international relations.AI Generated
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AbstractThis chapter establishes a conceptual framework for comparing the influence of the EU and Russia in their shared neighbourhood using the more generic concepts of hegemony and power. It develops three ideal-typical mechanisms of hegemonic power: coercion, prescription, and co-optation, based on existing literature. Coercion involves overt conflicts of interests and threats to influence target states' actions. Prescription operates through the imposition of rules and standards, shaping behaviour based on a sense of obligation. Co-optation involves reshaping ideas, values, and beliefs, ensuring compliance through consent rather than coercion. The chapter also outlines the research design and introduces the cases of Moldova and Armenia, explaining how these mechanisms are applied and examined. This structured comparison allows for a nuanced analysis of the similarities and differences in EU and Russian influence, providing a comprehensive understanding of their hegemonic power dynamics in the region. -
Chapter 3. EU and Russian Coercion: Manipulating the Cost-Benefit Calculations of the Moldovan and Armenian Governments
- Open Access
Download PDF-versionThe chapter examines the coercive tactics employed by the EU and Russia to influence the foreign policies of Moldova and Armenia. The EU uses institutionalized economic rewards and conditionality, while Russia relies on threats and military pressure. The analysis focuses on the coercion mechanisms, the specific demands and rewards used, and the perceptions of these activities by the target countries. The chapter provides a comprehensive overview of how these powers leverage existing dependencies to achieve their geopolitical goals, offering insights into the effectiveness of their strategies and the responses from Moldova and Armenia.AI Generated
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AbstractThe third chapter assesses the exploitation of existing economic and security dependencies (i.e., coercion) by the EU and Russia. It presents a systematic comparison of their uses of coercive actions towards Moldova and Armenia and an analysis of the perceptions of local actors. Both the EU and Russia coerced Moldova and Armenia, but the difference was in the institutionalisation of the mechanism. The chapter details the coercion mechanism, illustrating how threats influence the political elite’s preferences. The effectiveness of coercion depends on the communicated threats, rewards, and demands, and how these are perceived by the target state’s political elite. It also considers the existing interdependencies with other powers and the local context in which coercive activities are received. EU conditionality was perceived as positive and legitimate, associated with economic opportunities and reforms beneficial to the countries. Russian coercive actions were seen as negative and threatening, creating fear and resistance. This difference in perception highlights the importance of normative justification in the effectiveness of coercive strategies. This comparative analysis provides valuable insights into the dynamics of hegemonic power in the shared neighbourhood of the EU and Russia. -
Chapter 4. EU and Russian Prescription: Setting Rules and Standards for Food Safety
- Open Access
Download PDF-versionThe chapter examines how the EU and Russia have prescribed food safety rules in neighboring countries, particularly Moldova and Armenia. It discusses the historical and institutional developments that led to the establishment of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and the EU's Eastern Partnership, highlighting the differences in regulatory approaches and the challenges faced by these countries in adopting and implementing the prescribed rules. The chapter also explores the perceptions of these prescriptions by local regulators and businesses, revealing varying levels of acceptance and compliance based on economic and political factors. By comparing the EU's risk-based approach with the EAEU's hazard-based system, the chapter offers a nuanced understanding of the complexities involved in harmonizing food safety standards across different regulatory regimes.AI Generated
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AbstractThis chapter delves into the prescription of food safety rules by the EU and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) in Moldova and Armenia. While the EU’s influence through its market power and the Brussels effect is well-documented, the EAEU, led by Russia, has also emerged as a significant player in the region. The EAEU’s approach to food safety, however, contrasts starkly with the EU’s emphasis on ensuring safe production processes. Moldovan and Armenian actors perceived EU standards as superior, associating them with higher quality and safety for consumers, despite the higher compliance costs. Conversely, EAEU standards were viewed as lower and more attainable, a reflection of the legacy Soviet system integrated with new, albeit inconsistent, rules. This chapter examines how these differing standards and approaches influenced local regulatory practices and perceptions, highlighting the complexities and challenges faced by Moldova and Armenia in navigating the overlapping influences of these two powerful entities. The findings underscore the nuanced dynamics of regional hegemony in the domain of food safety and the varied responses of local actors to external regulatory prescriptions. -
Chapter 5. EU and Russia Co-Optation: (Re-)shaping the Ideas and Beliefs in the Moldovan and Armenian Societies
- Open Access
Download PDF-versionThe chapter delves into the co-optation strategies employed by the EU and Russia in Moldova and Armenia, focusing on how these regional powers shape societal ideas and beliefs. The EU, driven by its universal principles of democracy and human rights, uses cultural and media programs to promote diversity and democracy. In contrast, Russia leverages its historical and cultural ties, promoting unity and traditional values through media, cultural programs, and the Russian Orthodox Church. The chapter also explores the perceptions of these strategies within Moldovan and Armenian societies, revealing varying degrees of acceptance and resistance. The analysis underscores the complexity of co-optation mechanisms and the importance of local contexts in understanding external influence.AI Generated
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AbstractThis chapter explores the co-optation strategies employed by the EU and Russia in Moldova and Armenia, focusing on how these powers sought to shape the ideas and beliefs within these societies. Russia’s co-optation efforts leveraged its cultural advantage rooted in Soviet-era ties, promoting a common language, media, and religious connections. In contrast, the EU aimed to co-opt Moldovan and Armenian societies through the promotion of democratisation and liberal values, primarily targeting Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and cultural diversity initiatives. The chapter examines how these differing strategies were received by various segments of Moldovan and Armenian societies. CSOs generally viewed the EU’s democracy promotion positively and attempted to diffuse European values within their broader societies. However, the general public in both countries often found Russian traditional values more relatable and remained cautious of “Western” liberal values. The chapter highlights the complex interplay of historical ties, cultural influences, and strategic communication in the co-optation process, revealing how the EU and Russia’s efforts were perceived differently across societal sectors in Moldova and Armenia. -
Chapter 6. EU and Russian Hegemonic Power Over Time: From a Common Neighbourhood Policy Towards Differentiation
- Open Access
Download PDF-versionThe chapter explores the hegemonic power mechanisms employed by the EU and Russia in Moldova and Armenia over three distinct periods: 2000-2008, 2009-2014, and 2015-2021. Initially, both actors developed policies towards these countries, with the EU focusing on a unified approach combining coercion and co-optation, while Russia used coercion and co-optation separately. Over time, Russia enhanced its prescription capabilities through the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), while the EU strengthened its conditionality approach. Both actors came to use all three mechanisms—coercion, prescription, and co-optation—but differed in their institutionalization and integration of these strategies. The EU's approach became more interlinked and focused on values, while Russia's remained more detached and culturally confrontational. The analysis reveals a convergence in the mechanisms used by both actors, although they differed in their implementation and justification.AI Generated
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AbstractThis chapter synthesises the diachronic comparison of the EU and Russia’s use of hegemonic power mechanisms (coercion, prescription, and co-optation) over time in Moldova and Armenia. It highlights how these mechanisms evolved and became more interlinked for the EU, while Russia developed them separately. The EU increasingly utilised conditionality and sanctions, linking these to the promotion of “European values” and food safety rules. As EU-Russia relations grew more contentious, Russia’s co-optation activities became more confrontational, emphasising the Othering of the EU. The analysis reveals that Russia’s use of coercion was closer to the ideal type, characterised by unilateral threats or punishments reacting to Western orientations in neighbourhood countries. The EU’s coercion, focused on rewards, demanded democratic and institutional reforms. In prescription, the EU’s approach, through extensive legislative approximation and regulatory obligations, was more coherent compared to Russia’s Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) standards, which emulated EU norms but retained a product-focused safety approach. -
Chapter 7. Conclusion and Way Forward: What Future for the Region and How We Study It?
- Open Access
Download PDF-versionThe chapter delves into the future of the Eastern European and South Caucasus region, focusing on the hegemonic power dynamics between the EU and Russia. It challenges the existing literature's emphasis on the differences between their influence mechanisms, instead presenting a conceptual framework to systematically compare coercion, prescription, and co-optation. Empirical case studies of EU-Moldova, EU-Armenia, Russia-Moldova, and Russia-Armenia reveal the varied expressions of hegemonic power in practice. The analysis shows that both the EU and Russia employ all three mechanisms, albeit with differences in approach and perception. The chapter also discusses the evolution of these mechanisms over time, highlighting the growing competition between the two regional powers and the critical juncture of Russia's war in Ukraine. It concludes by suggesting avenues for further research into regional hegemonic interactions and the broader implications of hegemonic power at the international level.AI Generated
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AbstractThis book critically examined the dichotomy in the literature regarding the differing influences of the EU and Russia in their shared neighbourhood. Through the development of a conceptual framework encompassing three ideal-typical mechanisms of hegemonic power (coercion, prescription, and co-optation) the study systematically compared EU and Russian neighbourhood policies in Eastern Europe and the South Caucasus. Empirical analysis of four cases (EU-Moldova, EU-Armenia, Russia-Moldova, and Russia-Armenia) highlighted the nuanced ways each power exerted influence, revealing both differences and similarities in their approaches. The study found that both the EU and Russia employed all three mechanisms, but with varying methods and effectiveness. Coercion by Russia was more unilateral and punitive, whereas the EU institutionalised its coercive measures within negotiated frameworks. In terms of prescription, the EU’s regulatory clarity contrasted with the complexity and incoherence of Russian standards within the EAEU. Co-optation efforts also differed, with Russia leveraging shared language, culture, and religion, while the EU focused on promoting European values. The analysis revealed that the legitimacy of these actions played a crucial role, with the EU generally perceived more positively than Russia, whose actions were often viewed as unpredictable and punitive. The findings also demonstrated a convergence in the hegemonic practices of the EU and Russia over time, especially post-2015, as both powers intensified their influence strategies. The study calls for future research to explore the interactive dynamics between regional hegemons and to examine how perceptions and local contexts shape power relations. It suggests extending the framework to other regions, such as Central Asia, South Asia, and Latin America, to understand the dynamics of regional hegemony in different geopolitical contexts. The insights from this research contribute to a deeper understanding of the complex interplay of hegemonic power in international relations, emphasising the importance of perceptions, legitimacy, and local contexts in shaping power dynamics.
- Title
- EU and Russian Hegemony in the 'Shared Neighbourhood'
- Author
-
Isabell Burmester
- Copyright Year
- 2024
- Publisher
- Springer Nature Switzerland
- Electronic ISBN
- 978-3-031-75488-3
- Print ISBN
- 978-3-031-75487-6
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-75488-3
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