The Russia-NATO ralations and the European security system in the context of the concepts of neorealism

The article gives the analysis of relations between NATO and Russia in the context of the formation of European security system in the post-bipolar period based on the concepts of defensive and offensive realism, which largely clarify the nature of the political crisis and a return to rivalry for spheres of influence in the post-Soviet space. Analyzing the redistribution of power in the system of international relations, the author argues that the NATO countries and the United States should take into account the historical characteristics and location of Russia, her national interests, the strengthening of her international positions, and concern about security problems at her borders. On the basis of the concept of neorealism, conclusions are drawn about the problems of the European security system and the growing uncertainty in world politics. The author points out to the need for the West to understand the content of Russia's foreign policy, which proceeds from defensive preferences of realism and the search for institutional mechanisms of cooperation.