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Thinking Further about EU-Russia Cooperation: Drug Trafficking and Related Issues in Central Asia. EU Diplomacy Paper 09/2011, December 2011

Dufour, Nathan (2011) Thinking Further about EU-Russia Cooperation: Drug Trafficking and Related Issues in Central Asia. EU Diplomacy Paper 09/2011, December 2011. [Working Paper]

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    Abstract

    This paper analyses to what extent the development of cooperation between Russia and the European Union (EU) to respond to the common threat of increasing drug trafficking in Central Asia is desirable and feasible. First, it considers the growing overlap between Russian and EU security interests in Central Asia and provides an understanding of the two sides’ mutual perceptions in this strategic region. Even though the current mind-set is one of general mistrust, for instance in fields such as energy or human rights, both actors now recognise the imperative of regional and international cooperation to tackle terrorist threats and increasing drug flows. Second, the relevance of a joint Russia-EU involvement is analysed by considering the evolving trends in drug trafficking since the US-led coalition intervened in Afghanistan. The paper demonstrates the shortcomings and inadequacy of the current counter-narcotics policies as well as their responsibility in hampering regional cooperation and international efforts. Third, the respective Russian and EU anti-drug strategies and instruments are analysed in order to better assess the possibilities of developing synergies on the ground instead of maintaining competing and detrimental standalone visions. Although the feasibility of setting up a pragmatic and de-politicised cooperation between the EU and Russia is challenging in many regards, this paper shows that it is highly desirable as it would contribute to diminish strong risks of instability in the region and would address the security concerns of both actors. On the basis of the findings, policy recommendations are formulated for the EU.

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    Item Type: Working Paper
    Subjects for non-EU documents: EU policies and themes > External relations > EU-Asia-general > Central Asia
    Countries > Russia
    EU policies and themes > Policies & related activities > Third Pillar/JHA/PJCC/AFSJ > criminal matters (organized crime, drug & sex trade)
    Subjects for EU documents: UNSPECIFIED
    EU Series and Periodicals: UNSPECIFIED
    EU Annual Reports: UNSPECIFIED
    Series: Series > College of Europe (Brugge) > EU Diplomacy Paper
    Depositing User: Phil Wilkin
    Official EU Document: No
    Language: English
    Date Deposited: 20 Feb 2012 22:55
    Number of Pages: 41
    Last Modified: 20 Feb 2012 22:55
    URI: http://aei.pitt.edu/id/eprint/33454

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