reved.12-5-97- i n t e r n a t i o n a l r e l a t i o n s（reved.12 - 5 - 97 - i n t e r n a t i o n l r e l t i o n s）.doc

The New Europe/ The European Union R. James Ferguson ? 2004 Week 5: The Impact of Soviet and Russian Reforms 1989-2004 Overview of Topics: - 1. Introduction: Changing Contexts for Europe 2.The End of Stalinism and the Wave of Reform 3. Mikhail Gorbachev and His Reforms 4. Foreign Policy Landmarks 5. Yeltsin: The Problem of Finding a Democratic Centre 6. Putin: Solutions or New Problems? 7. Bibliography and Further References 1. Introduction: Changing Contexts for Europe Soviet and Russian policies have been crucial for the wider international environment of Europe since the late 19th century. Since 1987, changes in Russia have had a crucial impact on the European Union in several areas: - Since 1987, Soviet Reforms under Gorbachev ended the Cold War and reduced the tensions experienced by the division of Europe into two armed camps. This subsequently allowed the expansion of NATO to include key Eastern European States, (including Poland, the Czech Republic and Hungary). Changes in the Soviet system and in Eastern Europe allowed the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, and the subsequent unification of Germany. This also acted as a spur for the deeper integration of Germany within the European Union from 1991, with a unified, stronger Germany viewed as ‘safe’ within a stronger EU. Economic reform in Eastern Europe has meant the expansion of European Union, to include much of Central and Eastern Europe. This has forced serious reform within the EU itself as new members join to form a Europe of 25 states through early 2004. Russia remains a great power in nuclear terms, but a state troubled by problems in economic and political reform. On this basis, relations with Russia are crucial for the future of wider Europe. Whether Russia become a strategic partner or strategic competitor is crucial for the future of the EU, as well as for relations with the U.S. Changes through 2002-2004 suggest that Russia has been trying to deepen its importance to the EU