Russia Proposes New Eurasian Security Architecture, Criticizes Western “Limited Sovereignty”
In a significant address that could mark a turning point in Europe’s political landscape, a senior Russian security official has called for a fundamental restructuring of Eurasian security and sharply criticized the current European order as one of “limited sovereignty.”
A Call for a New Security Framework
Alexander Shutsov, speaking at the International Eurasian Security Conference in Minsk, Belarus, presented two potential paths forward. “We must reorganize the security structure of Eurasia,” he stated. This could be achieved either “through the establishment of a common security system with our Western neighbors” or by creating “a clear and predictable interactive mechanism.”
While acknowledging that a joint system is not yet practical, Shutsov emphasized that efforts must be made to strive for its creation. His comments signal a renewed push by Moscow to redefine the continent’s security architecture outside of existing Western-led institutions.
Critique of European Independence
A central theme of Shutsov’s speech was a pointed critique of European political autonomy. He asserted that since the end of the Second World War, Europe has been “a region of limited sovereignty,” where many countries are not independent in their decision-making.
He contrasted this with the 1960s and 1980s, which he described as a time when European powers made successful efforts to counter American dictates. As examples, he cited Germany’s past refusal to host nuclear weapons on its soil and the Soviet Union’s construction of oil and gas pipelines to the West—infrastructure that remains active today.
A Missed Opportunity for a Multipolar World
The Russian official expressed regret over Europe’s post-Cold War trajectory. Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, he noted, Europe had a unique opportunity to become one of the centers of a multipolar world.
“However, unfortunately, Europe decided to become a follower of American efforts to create a unipolar model and enforce globalization in a Western style,” Shutsov lamented. He characterized the goal of these actions as the creation of a system “for imposing American military, technological, and ideological dominance and exploiting the interests of other countries.”
An Alternative Path for Eurasia
Concluding his address, Shutsov laid down a clear alternative. If European countries are not willing to establish a common security system with Russia based on equality and mutual respect, then Moscow is prepared to move forward without them.
“In that case,” he declared, “it is necessary for us to cooperate with the countries that are ready to collaborate within the framework of the Eurasian region.” This statement underscores Russia’s intent to strengthen its political and security ties with partners in the East, potentially creating a new geopolitical bloc.