Russia, the European Union and NATO: Is a "new normal" possible?

1. Introduction -- 2. Dissent over the organisation of international order in a multipolar world -- 3. The integration and security dilemma in Europe -- 4. Germany's key role and the redefinition of its policy towards Russia in the 2016 White Paper -- 5. Managing antagonism, containing escalation, gradually building confidence. 5.1 Confidence building measures and arms control ; 5.2 Political dialogue with full use of the options provided by the OSCE ; 5.3 Track II dialogues ; 5.4 Strengthening the connection between societies: science, tourism, culture, local partnerships ; 5.5 Eurasian connectivity in the One Belt, One Road Initiative as an area of cooperation ; 5.6 Conclusions.

Cover -- Russia, the European Union and NATO. Is a "new normal" possible? -- Contents -- 1. Introduction -- 2. Dissent over the Organisation of International Order in a Multipolar World -- 3. The Integration and Security Dilemma in Europe -- 4. Germany's Key Role and the Redefinition of its Policy Towards Russia in the 2016 White Paper -- 5. Managing Antagonism, Containing Escalation, Gradually Building Confidence -- 5.1 Confidence Building Measures and Arms Control -- 5.2 Political dialogue with full use of the options provided by the OSCE -- 5.3 Track II dialogues -- 5.4 Strengthening the connection between societies: science, tourism, culture, local partnerships -- 5.5 Eurasian connectivity in the One Belt, One Road Initiative as an area of cooperation -- 5.6 Conclusions -- Bibliography -- The Author

Russia, the European Union, and NATO still share some important common interests that need to be given greater attention. A return to strategic partnership is not conceivable without resolving the Ukraine conflict, but prudent management of the antagonism in order to keep open the prospect of a peaceful new normal is crucial. At the same time, it is important to keep in mind that the persistent volatility of the international environment could further complicate this already difficult process.