The Self-Unfulfilling Prophecy of a 'Dialogue with Russia'
The Kremlin believes that the EU does not deserve dialogue with Russia.
Zuma / TASS
The narrative of a “dialogue with Russia” has always been popular in Europe. It has been especially popular since 2014 when relations between Russia and the West started to dramatically deteriorate because of Russia’s illegal annexation of Ukraine’s Crimea and further invasion of eastern Ukraine.
The “dialogue” narrative is presented as the manifestation of a pragmatic and realistic approach to international relations. It is always presented in a positive light, as the antithesis to confrontation between Russia and the West. And, from a psychological and emotional point of view, isn't dialogue better than antagonism?