This episode of EuropeChats is a discussion between Dr. Kristi Raik, Deputy Director of the International Centre for Defence and Security in Tallinn, Estonia, and TEPSA Executive Director Mariam Khotenashvili. The discussion focusses on building European security against Russia. In the context of Russia’s ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine, the EU has since February 2022 been thrust into a new and vital debate on how to deal with an expansionist Russia which has initiated the first land war in Europe since the Second World War.
In particular, the discussion surrounds the recent Joint Agreement on EU-NATO Cooperation, the reasons why Western military support to Ukraine has been given in such small steps, and why decisions such as sending German Leopard tanks to Ukraine was fraught with indecision. In addition, the two discuss whether there is any prospect for a normalisation of relations with Russia in the wake of a Ukrainian victory, or even after Putin’s reign comes to an end, whether in the short or long term. What is the role of the EU in this war? How can it step up its support to Ukrainian forces? How can Ukraine’s European future be ensured?
This episode is a discussion with Dr. Kristi Raik. Kristi is a TEPSA Board Member and Deputy Director of the International Centre for Defence and Security, where she is also the Head of the Foreign Policy Programme. The discussion occurs on the basis of a paper Kristi recently co-authored with Martin Hurt entitled “Building European Security Against Russia – A View From Estonia”.
EuropeChats is TEPSA’s talk show dedicated to answering your questions about the European Union. If you ever wondered what competences the EU has, what effects its policies have on your day-to-day life, and why the EU is so important, then this show will give you all the answers you need! Every episode we will be answering your questions about Europe and the EU.
Mariam Khotenashvili is TEPSA’s Executive Director. Her background combines research coordination, policy advocacy, project management and academic work. Her fields of expertise include EU foreign and development policies and in particular the European Neighbourhood Policy. Mariam is your direct line into the European bubble.
