Articles

By Hillary Briffa. Prior to independence from Britain in 1964, Malta’s foreign and security policy was historically determined by the prevailing colonial power of the time. Since 1987, reflecting the insecurity generated by the Cold War superpower competition and growing militarisation of the Mediterranean, among other economic and socio-political drivers, Malta’s constitution has defined the country as a “neutral state actively pursuing peace, security and social progress among all nations by adhering to a policy of non-alignment and refusing to participate in any military alliance.” Amid current debates over the continuing applicability and relevance of neutrality for contemporary security, the words ‘actively pursuing’ are instrumental.

Debates about “Ukrainian neutrality” to end the war with Russia are picking up steam in the US. After many calls from international academics, last week, a former Assistant Secretary of State, A. Wess Mitchell, published a call for Ukrainian “fortified neutrality” in Foreign Affairs—the medium where George Kennan published his famous “Article X,” in 1947.

Becoming a permanently neutral and federal country is the most realistic way to end the war in Ukraine fast and re-secure Europe for decades to come.

Offering Ukraine and Georgia NATO membership back in 2008 was a tremendous mistake. It hardened the political fronts inside the countries, leading Georgia to believe that NATO would help bringing back its breakaway regions, creating the ground for the 2008 Russo-Georgian war. We are seeing the replay of that on a much grander scale now in Ukraine.

December 20, 2021Photo by Christian Lue on Unsplash On December 17 the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs presented proposals to the United States and NATO for the demilitarization of Eastern Europe, proposing security guarantees, and a halt to NATO expansion. It is high time to address the resolution of conflicts in Ukraine and Georgia, as well as the underlying hostilities…

Silenced by some, pronounced dead by others, Austria’s neutrality has seen more glorious days. However, the concept is far from being outdated on a global scale. Austria’s internationalist and humanitarian neutrality has the potential to greatly assist Europe if it is only utilized for that purpose.

In 2015, Mongolian President Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj for the first time announced at a UN General Assembly that his country was on a path of neutrality. But what does that mean and where is Mongolia’s affinity for neutrality coming from?

EU neutrals are viewed with suspicion not only by transatlantic networks but also targeted by proponents of the EU defense community.

In its latest issue, the “Zeitschrift für Innere Führung” of the German Bundeswehr published a call to increase the perception of threat from Russia among the German public, with the aim of strengthening Germany’s loyalty to NATO’s Eastern member states.