Timofey Bordachev reflects on significant shift in EU policy
Date
6/23/2024 7:57:07 AM
(MENAFN) In a thought-provoking critique, Timofey Bordachev reflects on a significant shift in European Union policy that he compares to Albania's defensive posture during its communist dictatorship. Bordachev argues that historically, shifts in national behavior, such as heightened defensiveness, were typical of smaller and weaker states. However, he notes a new trend where Western Europe, traditionally without a 'besieged fortress' mentality, is adopting extensive defensive measures akin to Albania's construction of hundreds of thousands of bunkers during the Cold War era.
Albania's ambitious program in the 1970s to build 200,000 bunkers across its territory under communist rule is cited as a cautionary tale. These structures, intended as defensive fortifications, became ubiquitous symbols of paranoia-driven foreign policy. Bordachev draws parallels by suggesting that the European Union's recent enthusiasm for defensive infrastructure, exemplified by Ursula von der Leyen's positive remarks on Finland's construction of 50,000 underground bomb shelters, signifies a broader shift towards defensive posturing against perceived threats, notably from Russia.
He highlights von der Leyen's visit to Finland as emblematic of this shift, where a traditionally neutral and friendly nation is now actively bolstering its defenses in response to geopolitical tensions. Bordachev laments this departure from previous norms and questions the implications of such defensive strategies on European unity and international relations. He argues that this trend not only reflects a changing security landscape but also raises concerns about the erosion of diplomatic engagement and the escalation of tensions.
By likening the European Union's current trajectory to Albania's historical isolationism and defensive paranoia, Bordachev challenges European leaders to reconsider the long-term consequences of prioritizing defense over diplomacy. He warns against the normalization of a 'besieged fortress' mentality in Western Europe and advocates for a balanced approach that preserves security while upholding principles of cooperation and dialogue in international relations.
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