NATO, The Left, and the Case for Peace in Eastern Europe
LOOK LEFT
Luke Hatch
The ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine can truly be described as a nightmare scenario, for Europe and indeed the world. A full-scale conflict between two large conventional forces on the European continent is something few expected, even as Russian troops were amassing for months on the Ukrainian border. The decision by Russian President Vladimir Putin to launch this invasion of Ukraine has rightly been condemned around the world as a reckless escalation of global tensions, that will undoubtedly cost the lives of countless innocent Ukrainians, a decision made under the painfully contrived pretext of the “demilitarisation and de-Nazification of Ukraine”. While the decision to begin this armed conflict is an atrocity that lies squarely with Putin, the state of tension between Russia and Ukraine that existed prior to the invasion is a much more complex affair, involving deep-seated issues of Russia-West relations going back decades. It is a tragic story of mistrust, arrogance, and perceived betrayal on both sides of the divide. There is a pressure now to forget all of this; some will call it irreverent to be discussing historical geopolitics at a time when a sovereign nation is being shelled by its neighbour. Yet such discussion is of vital importance if there is to be any hope
i of restoring peace to Europe, and it is the duty of peace-minded progressives to analyse these factors and seek a robust security environment going forward that is based on inclusivity and understanding, rather than eternal rivalry and paranoia. In early February, Labour leader Keir Starmer penned an opinion piece in The Guardian with the strapline, “Under my leadership, Labour’s commitment to NATO is unshakable”, laying out his reasons for backing the UK Conservative government in denouncing Russia and sending weapons and troops to Ukraine. Starmer makes pains to dress his support for NATO with progressive language to appeal to his party’s support base, but in truth the Labour leader’s support for the government’s particularly belligerent stance on the issue positions him decisively to the right, not only of progressive groups, but also of several centrist governments in Europe. French President Emmanuel Macron had repeatedly called for high-level diplomatic engagement that takes into account Russia’s legitimate security concerns, including a meaningful discussion of Europe’s post-Cold War security environment. To this end, Macron travelled alone to meet with Vladimir Putin in February to seek a diplomatic resolution.
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