Domino Effect of Russian Aggression and Baltic-Nordic Security

• In Event: War and Changing Perceptions of Security

Abstract

Following the Russian intervention in Ukraine and the ongoing conflict in the heart of Europe, we anticipated that the Russian aggression would have a knock-on effect on neighboring countries. Last year, Putin openly intimidated the Estonian city of Narva, which made it clear that there was a significant danger. If Russia emerges victorious in Ukraine, other countries such as Georgia, Azerbaijan, the Baltic states, and the Nordic states will be at risk of facing similar charges. Russia’s neighboring countries have already experienced the overspreading of Russian aggression, making it a familiar occurrence.

The Baltic Sea region has become more secure since Finland joined NATO, and Sweden intends to join. However, security threats from Russia have been on the rise. In this situation, the joint Baltic Nordic Security system would create a robust regional security network and ensure stability in the Baltic Sea and surrounding areas. This system would also help neighboring countries combat Russia's hybrid warfare tactics.

The scientific research within the theory of neoclassical realism examines security threats coming from Russia in the Baltic Sea region and the importance of the Baltic-Nordic defense system. We hypothesize that Russia, with its invasive foreign policy, will pose serious security challenges for Baltic and Nordic states. In this scenario, NATO and the potential mutual defense system can play a critical role. The independent variable is Russia's aggressive foreign policy, while NATO and the potential Baltic Nordic defense system are intervening variables.

Short Bio

I am a graduate student in government at Harvard University, School of Liberal Arts, and also a graduate student in international relations at New York University, School of Arts and Sciences. In 2020, I won the Forbes 30 Under 30 Nomination in Science. In 2021, I established a nongovernmental organization, GECC in New York

Author

• Gia Mosashvili, Harvard University, New York University