Georgia and Ukraine should be allowed to join NATO

Georgia and Ukraine should be allowed to join NATO

25 Sep 2008

The panel debates the motion that Georgia and the Ukraine should be allowed to join Nato.

Arguing in favour of the motion are Oleg Rybachuk, Denis Macshane and Giorgi Kandelaki.

Former Ukrainian Chief of Staff Oleg Rybachuk begins by conveying his nation’s concern that Ukraine and Georgia would become a new eastern bloc and their borders ‘a new Checkpoint Charlie’. He argues that Europeans should not use Ukraine’s freedom as a bargaining chip in its dealings with Russia

Denis Macshane continues by attacking the Kremlin’s culture of political violence, arguing that respect does not come to those that do not respect others. Britain learned this the hard way, as ‘the days when you can treat every neighbour as an enemy or a vassal are over.’

Giorgi Kandelaki finishes by suggesting that Russia behaved in an understandable manner as ‘a response to post-Cold War humiliation and fear of encirclement.’ He believes that Europe would be a darker place if eastern European countries not joined Nato. Finally, he demonstrates that the scrutiny the Baltic states endured prior to accession promoted democracy, and that this would occur in Georgia too.

Arguing against the motion are Lord Skidelsky, Alexey Pushkov and Sir Christopher Meyer.

Lord Skidelsky begins by arguing that military alliances should only accept new members if it is mutually beneficial. Both nations are unstable and are classic settings for separatist conflict, and could even lead to the destruction of the nations and a new Cold War. Instead, Russia should be welcomed into Nato.

Alexey Pushkov continues by arguing that Nato is continually advancing towards Russian borders. He believes that if Ukraine acceded, the Russia would be forced to close the border with its neighbour – regardless of the effects on Russian citizens themselves.

Sir Christopher Meyer finishes by noting that it would be hypocritical to allow Ukraine and Geogia’s membership, as Nato would not defend them against Russia – making a mockery of Article 5 of Nato’s constitution. He states that the alliance ‘isn’t a jolly democratic club which we invite people to join to make them feel better.’ He reminds the audience that they really don’t want a ‘dog in that fight’.

First vote: 82 For, 54 Against, 63 Undecided 

Final vote: 93 For, 120 Against, 3 Undecided

The motion is defeated by 27 votes.

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