ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the struggles of the Kremlin to assert influence in Europe and its reactions to its loss of influence. It argues that Russia has been effectively marginalised in the new security business of the continent but that it still has key concerns in Europe. As well as outlining their role and right to act in the Balkans, Russian tactics displayed a preoccupation with the activities and remit of North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) in the area. Russian concern centred after 1994 in the European theatre around the possibility of a NATO moving East. In all discussions of foreign policy, emphasis was placed on the formulation and protection of Russia's national interests, but there was some confusion as to what exactly constituted the national interest. Amongst the foreign policy elite a vigorous debate took place which had something in common with the nineteenth century debate between the "Slavophiles" and "Westerners".
