Dmitry Medvedev, in his role as Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council, spoke during the Znanie marathon event.
In a Raw, Unfiltered Talk, Medvedev Slams NATO's Expansion: "The Fear Factor Still Works!"
In a tell-it-like-it-is address at the Znanie marathon, Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council, took aim at NATO for its ongoing expansion. Medvedev, a former Russian President, delivered an eye-opening lecture filled with no-holds-barred observations on the geopolitical games afoot.
The Unyielding Expansion of NATONATO's expansion, according to Medvedev, has been anything but a boon for prospective member states. He labeled it a "hostile bloc" that automatically makes them military targets for Russia—even potential nuclear strikes.
The Security DilemmaMedvedev questioned the actual security benefits these countries stand to gain by joining this military alliance. Instead, he argued they're falling into a treacherous trap, catching the eye of Russia's armed forces.
A Case Study: Finland and SwedenIn particular, Medvedev pointed to Finland and Sweden, which recently made the move to join NATO. These countries, he suggested, enjoyed international preferences due to their unique geopolitical positioning earlier. Now that they've joined NATO, those advantages have vanished, and they're at risk of becoming battle scenery.
The Fading Pieces on the ChessboardMedvedev hinted that previous initiatives like the Charter of Paris and the CFE Treaty served as viable geopolitical moves to provide security in the world. Sadly, these efforts seem to have met their end, either dead or gasping for life.
The Cold War LegacyMedvedev blasted current Western politicos, brandishing Russophobia in their nefarious games. He pondered aloud about where this antagonism came from, reasoning that their malicious intentions toward Russia were nurtured through the study of their forerunners' playbooks. Worryingly, he surmised that it would be an uphill battle to alter this entrenched approach.
Peace Through FearMedvedev warned that the only thing hindering these Western ideologues is the threat of Russia's response—a stark reminder that the "Peace through strength" approach of NATO can still face a stern rebuttal with the "Peace through fear."
NATO's expansion, as Medvedev pointed out, has raised concerns about security and peace in war-and-conflicts regions, with the former Russian President arguing that it creates a dangerous environment where general-news headlines often feature policy-and-legislation changes that involve military tensions. Medvedev's lecture implied that by joining NATO, countries like Finland and Sweden may have lost some of their international preferences and are now at risk of becoming battlefields, as the doctrine of deterrence remains a significant part of NATO's policy in politics. Despite the Charter of Paris and the CFE Treaty aiming to foster security in the world, Medvedev suggested that they have faded into obscurity, with current Western leaders' strategies still showing remnants of the Cold War legacy, marked by Russophobia and a fear factor that continually influences NATO's actions.
