Do not attempt to engage in a dialogue for dialogue’s sakeīe very clear about your objectives. Let me therefore offer a personal checklist of ten essential dos and don’ts when engaging in dialogue with Russia.ġ. However, I am equally convinced that undertaking such efforts without a clear understanding of both one’s own priorities, as well as of the Kremlin’s intentions and modus operandi, risks at best a failure – and at worst achieving results opposite from those intended. One also has to recognise the simple fact that each country may want to further its national interests, especially in trade or cultural domains, via some form of dialogue with Moscow. This should include public support to groups and individuals persecuted for their views, promotion of civil society initiatives (whenever feasible and if not endangering specific individuals), as well as the production of more content in Russian language on multiple platforms (for example social media). Additionally, many avenues should be explored to show an interest in those who care about democracy in Russia. Today, dialogue is essential to keep channels of communication open and thereby reducing the risks of even accidental confrontation. Pro-Navalny protest after Moscow's mayor elections, 9 September 2013. Therefore, efforts aimed at conducting a dialogue with the Russian authorities, but especially with representatives of the Russian civil society, are a rational goal for international institutions such as the EU or NATO as well as for individual countries. Russia is important and it can act both as a bully and a spoiler, yet it is a major trade partner and could potentially help to resolve international challenges. There is no contradiction in this, despite what it may seem like. French and German leaders denounce Russian military threats against Ukraine, but continue to conduct conversations with Moscow. United States president Joe Biden signs an executive order introducing sanctions against Russia 3, but at the same time proposes a summit with the Russian president. Russia can act both as a bully and a spoiler, yet it is a major trade partner In the statement issued by thirty NATO Allies on 15 April 2021, Russia’s actions are described as “a threat to Euro-Atlantic security” and yet “NATO remains open to periodic, focused, and meaningful dialogue” 1 – a stance mirrored by the European Union to a large extent. Former head of the NATO Information Office in Russia Robert Pszczel offers a personal checklist of ten essential dos and don’ts.ĭealing with Russia is not an easy job. At worst, it risks achieving results opposite from those intended. However, undertaking such efforts without a clear understanding of both one’s own priorities, as well as of the Kremlin’s intentions and modus operandi, risks at best a failure. Talking to those who wield power today in Russia is tricky but necessary if one wishes to reduce the risks of even accidental confrontation.
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