Western Hemisphere Security is better to be Loved or Feared

Introduction 

The world remains a volatile and dangerous place in spite of disregarding the Cold War period and the effects of nuclear battle. The recent increase in regional threats that influence the security of the Western Hemisphere has become a debatable issue. The Far East is rife with state actors such as China and North Korea who are fighting for power. Russia is still the primary target for Europeans since it is a mighty nation compared to China and North Korea. Russia perceives that it is powerful than the USA and NATO. Thus, Russia believes that the United States challenges their position by attacking them. Though China and North Korea are both state actors that pose a tremendous concern in the international community; Russia remains the greatest challenge for the West. 

Purpose of the Research 

The goal of this research is to identify the strengths and weaknesses of western countries to determine their interests in overpowering countries in the international community. The paper focuses on Russia as the primary region because it is a threat to different nations in the globe. Therefore, the researcher will provide answers to the research question after fulfilling the purpose of the study. 

Organization of the Paper 

The research paper contains four sections which include an introduction, literature review, methods and conclusion section. The opening section comprises background information about the subject and research questions. The literature review part focuses on the analysis of previous works of researchers that provide insights into the topic. The methods section contains the techniques used to collect and analyze the data. The researcher establishes the findings and recommendation of the study at the end of the paper. 

Research Question 

Is the Western Hemisphere security a threat or an advantage to the world? 

Which region holds the greatest challenge for the West? 

Background Information 

Russia continues to create plans for overpowering the western nations and increasing its borderline. Russian leaders have developed strategies to eliminate Western organizations and reduce the authority of the Soviet republicans. The leaders ensured the Russians are the only individuals who can benefit from the approach. The strategy disregards the interest of NATO associates including the USA citizens. NATO officials seek to enhance national supremacy and border integrity (Diesen, 2016, p. 4) . Also, Russia prevents the former members of the Soviet Union from establishing relationships with the western nations. The Russian government hinders NATO from providing membership to western countries. As a result, Russia does not encounter pressure to validate its government approach (Diesen, 2016, p. 4) . The aim of preventing western countries from acquiring membership is to give the Russian government the authority to make decisions on military discipline and procurement. Secondly, NATO might be influenced by the western nations where they can get an opportunity to defeat Russia (Diesen, 2016, p. 4) . The development of the strategies has assisted Russia to maintain its influence on NATO and remain a challenge to the Western states. 

Russia has discovered NATO’s weaknesses, but they are exploiting the citizens for beneficial purposes. NATO has an active military and adequate financial resource. However, Russia overpowers nations by spreading propaganda and intimidating civilians. The Russian government distracted states from influencing the Soviet civilians and separated the countries (Diesen, 2016, p. 16) . Consequently, NATO partners focus on their security rather than expanding the borders. Russia has gained economic and military control over the neighboring states. The Russian leaders created conflicts to prevent the surrounding nations from joining the EU and NATO (Diesen, 2016, p. 16) . Russia has adopted the NGW (New-generation Warfare) technique to expand its territories in NATO. The approach aims to gain control over NATO by solving the conflicts. Besides, Russia does not want to engage in any battles with NATO while gaining access to their land (Diesen, 2016, p. 16) . The Russian leaders have incorporated strategies that aim at increasing their influence on neighboring regions to prevent the western countries from gaining authority. In spite of incorporating measures, the West is still interested in Russia. 

Russia is more powerful than China and North Korea because it uses unique strategies to counter the approaches imposed by the United States. The country investigates the policies of the US and develops plans that neutralize the strengths of the proposals. Further, Russia has been focusing on developing new global laws since 2007. The Russian government investigates the strategies for Western countries to improve international goals. Therefore, Russia will continue pursuing the West to achieve its plans. 

Literature Search Strategy 

The sources for this research paper are journals and publications. The researcher selected references from online websites that focused on Russia and its developments in countering the enemies. The critical search phrases included ‘Russia’s political agenda, social and cultural differences with the West, economic influences, and military strategy.’ It was a useful method in identifying sources that provide factual and practical evidence to the subject. All the journal and books are peer-reviewed ranging within the past seven years. The scholar selected the sources regarding their purpose, quality, and credibility. 

Literature Review 

Research on the western hemisphere security is mixed. Some researchers support the significance of Western hemisphere security. Alternatively, other scholars claim that safety is insignificant and the western countries aim at reducing Russia’s power to gain control across the world. It is essential to analyze the political, social, cultural, economic, and military strength of Russia. 

Political 

Walker claims that after the Cold War Russia could not achieve its influence over the world due to limited resources and internal risks. However, the nation has regained its position after the reign of Putin in 2012. The policy agenda of Putin is not based on political agreements with the USA. However, the legislative plan is being shaped by the historical challenges that the nation encounters when changing its economy to a free-market. Previously, the Russian economy was based on command market (Walker, 2018, p. 8) . Gelʹman adds that Russians elected Putin in 2012 with the aim of reviving the country influence over other nations and enhance stability (Gelʹman, 2017, p. 4) . The government proponents are not satisfied with Putin’s agenda of increasing Russia’s power over other nations, but they support the short-term political goals. The current political goals include enhancing unity, strengthening the country and stabilizing the economy. The leaders agreed that Russia needs to be politically stable to fulfill the plans (Gelʹman, 2017, p. 4) . The political agenda will increase the power of the Russian government across the world which is a threat to the Western nations. 

Walker states that the first political agenda in Russia is sustaining the economy to achieve stability. Putin aims at diversifying the country from fossil fuel production to maintain economic development (Walker, 2018, p. 26) . Secondly, the president focuses on hindering its expansion to the eastern part of the NATO nations. Also, the leaders are preventing Western influence on Central Asia and Ukraine (Walker, 2018, p. 26) . Russia has exempted the West from its union to reduce its interactions with the NATO countries. Also, the country has gained influence over Ukraine and some regions in Asia to prevent access to the Western states. Thirdly, Russia is training its military regarding western tactics. The nation observes the strategies of the west and develops advanced strategies to overpower them (Walker, 2018, p. 26) . Finally, Russia focuses on venturing into European and Chinese markets to acquire goods. The primary markets that Russia targets include energy and consumption industries (Walker, 2018, p. 26) . The political goals will assist Russia to attain a strategic position across the world which can be a risk to many nations. 

Social and Cultural 

Pavlovskai︠a︡ claims that there are significant differences between Russian and Western culture. As a result, the cultural and social differences have increased conflicts between the two regions. Russians still use the Golden Barbarian practices of Central Asia. Also, they practice the principles of Ghengis Khan where the murder and enslave residents of new cities (Pavlovskai︠a︡, 2011, p. 77) . Western culture is based on English customs. Harper stated that Russia has a different value from the West because they do not exchange cultural ideas. Westerners have perceptions of the Russian culture which discourages them from practicing their values (Pavlovskai︠a︡, 2011, p. 77) . The war between Russia and the West will continue due to cultural conflicts. 

Pavlovskai︠a︡ states that Russian men are household providers, but women are housekeepers. The Russian community perceives that men should meet the family needs. The society expects women to uphold their beauty to attract men. Russia does not recognize the LGBT community because it is a taboo (Pavlovskai︠a︡, 2011, p. 122) . For example, Russia was surprised when the West awarded the bearded woman a few years ago. The Russian government regulates the prohibition of LGBT. Also, the practice is against the beliefs of the country’s Orthodox Church (Pavlovskai︠a︡, 2011, p. 122) . Russians cannot embrace Western culture because they perceive it is corrupt. 

Pavlovskai︠a︡ adds that Russians embrace cooperation and unity. Most of the individuals perform activities in groups. Alternatively, Westerners embrace individualism and competition. Russia is known for its collective work. The community owns the land, and family heads make decisions (Pavlovskai︠a︡, 2011, p. 135) . The purpose is to establish a similar goal where discussions are held to decide for all households. However, some Russians still practice communism including dating in groups and close contact with visitors. Russians push and shove in crowds, but they are not upset. Another illustration of communism is that Russians are comfortable in joining visitors in the hotel (Pavlovskai︠a︡, 2011, p. 183) . Also, men kiss each other to express affection, but women hold hands. Russians attend recreational events in groups including work partners and extended families. Most of the citizens prefer organized games that have groups (Pavlovskai︠a︡, 2011, p. 197) . Russian is a collective community where privacy is discouraged, but Westerners value the personal space of individuals. 

Pavlovskai︠a︡ claims that Russians disregard an individual’s privacy. On the contrary, privacy is a valuable aspect of the West. For instance, Americans shake hands and hug friends or family members but step aside to create a distance of approximately four feet when discussing. Alternatively, Russians give a personal space of two feet when holding conversations. Russians consider it rude or unfriendly when people widen the distance, but Westerners feel insecure (Pavlovskai︠a︡, 2011, p. 145) . Russians value trust before building relationships. They have to perceive that a person is honest before being friends. Alternatively, Westerners establish relationships and earn trust later (Pavlovskai︠a︡, 2011, p. 145) . The Western and Russian culture is different which increases the conflict. Thus, the two regions cannot solve their differences peacefully due to the significant cultural gap. 

Economic 

Russia has encouraged its lending institutions and energy corporations to collaborate with Western companies. The largest financial institutions in Russia, VTB Bank, and Sberbank have purchased several businesses in Britain. The lending organizations actively participated n the European sector particularly in Ukraine ( Samokhvalov, 2017, p. 3 ) . Also, energy corporations focused on acquiring a significant market share in the Western industry. 

Consequently, Moscow influenced the interests of Western nations in their industry and resources ( Samokhvalov, 2017, p .2 ) . The Russian economy grew as compared to the Western sector. Europe perceived that Russia was the ready market for machines, pharmaceuticals, automobiles, and agricultural goods. The western energy corporations viewed Russia as an active area with oil, gas, and metal ( Makarychev & Mommen, 2013, p. 269 ) . However, Moscow limited the access of western firm by issuing licenses and permits to few companies. 

Makarychev and Mommen found that the new economic approach has contributed to the success of Russia. The lending organizations established fair loan contracts to encourage businesses to seek credit for expansion as compared to Western corporations. Further, Russian banks have gained access to the Western industry ( Makarychev & Mommen, 2013, p. 269 ) . The lending institutions in Russia succeeded in the European industry and could provide credit during the 2008 crisis. In 2014, FNF (French National Front) sought credit amounting to 11 million Euros in the Russian financial firms ( Makarychev & Mommen, 2013, p. 269 ) . However, Poland has restricted Russian corporation from venturing into their market due to their intention in domination the European economy. After 2014, Western states incorporated economic barriers for Russia due to its involvement in the Ukrainian crisis ( Makarychev & Mommen, 2013, p. 269 ) . As a result, Russians cannot perform financial transactions or purchase goods from European countries. 

However, some Italians opposed the Western financial restrictions on Russia. Emma Marcegaglia owns a steel firm which has connections with Russia. Further, ENI which is the leading power corporation in Italy opposes the Western businesses policies. In 2018, ENI and Rosneft Companies partnered to extract oil from the Black Sea ( Gavrilenkov, Welfens, & Wiegert, 2013, p. 182 ) . Subsequently, Intesa Sanpaolo which is the primary lending institution in Italy provided credit to IPC amounting to $ 5.8 million. The CEO of the bank perceives that the financial restrictions are developed for ideological purposes ( Gavrilenkov, Welfens, & Wiegert, 2013, p. 182 ) . Therefore, they should not influence the bank’s decision in supporting Russian corporations. 

Although Moscow has influenced the Western economy, the nations have responded by incorporating economic restrictions. The policies have significantly affected the financial performance of Russia. Besides, the trading activities between the West and Russia increased to 17.9% between 2016 and 2017 ( Braden & Shelley, 2017, p. 17 ) . The economic events between Germany and Russia increased to 19.5% in 2017. The German and French properties in Russia increased to $ 512 and $ 2 million respectively ( Braden & Shelley, 2017, p. 17 ) . After the imposition of the financial regulations in 2018, the Western entrepreneurs sought assistance from the leaders who could advocate for waivers to prevent losses from the ongoing agreements ( Braden & Shelley, 2017, p. 17 ) . Russia influences the economic activities of significant nations in the Western region. 

Military 

The DIA surveyed and found that the military power of Russia is evident in the Middle East. Russia has deployed a team in the Middle East to solve conflicts. It is the second exporter of weapons across the globe. Russia exports firearms to increase its finances to boost political, military, and financial activities. The nation is recognized for its strong nuclear power in the world. The country plans to develop the atomic system by 2020 with a budget of $ 28 billion (Defense Intelligence Agency, 2017, p. 29) . The DIA discovered that the nuclear structure of the nation has three components which include ICBMs, 10 SSBNs, and RAF which are dangerous weapons (Defense Intelligence Agency, 2017, p. 30) . The nuclear system enhances the confidence of Russians because they can respond to the enemies in case of adverse attacks. 

The DIA discovered that the Russian military implements anti-access strategies in all regions. The military aims to repel Western countries from accessing their air space. The Russian troops strike the countries or strangers who invade their air space without their consent ( Defense Intelligence Agency, 2017, p. 32) . The military has incorporated the precision strike technique to defeat the enemies. It is an advancement of the traditional deep battle method that was used in the early 19 th century. The precision strike was established between 2010 and 2015 where the army could use advanced weapons to target the attackers (Defense Intelligence Agency, 2017, p. 32). The anti-access technique has enabled Russia to prevent attackers from accessing their country. 

The military relies on the space to advance to their enemies. The army men perceive that recent battles rely on information from space due to the topographic coverage of military activities. Also, the army must use special weapons for defense. Russia has a collection of satellites in the outer space to acquire information about wars. The state owns 130 spacecraft, navigation gadgets, and metrological devices to provide data about battles (Defense Intelligence Agency, 2017, p. 35) . The space program is inflexible, but the country can upgrade due to changes in technology. Russia seeks to improve communication and warning space structure to gain adequate data about wars. The existing structures are useful in enhancing connections, navigation, artificial intelligence, and missile threats (Defense Intelligence Agency, 2017, p. 35) . The military leads the globe with space launches, but the USA and China are leading countries regarding counter space activities. 

The military values information as an essential tool to counter the enemies. Russian troops retrieve information about their enemies in the websites. Moscow perceives that data about their enemies is critical is identifying their plans on attacking (Defense Intelligence Agency, 2017, p. 38) . The military assesses the strategies of the attackers and develops counter plans to win the battles. For example, the Russian army retrieves information about Western troops from the internet. Subsequently, the military creates strategies to defeat the West in case they advance attacks (Defense Intelligence Agency, 2017, p. 38) . Information has been a critical tool in the Russian army. 

Research Methods 

Data Collection Methods and Instruments 

The data collection method used in this study is the qualitative strategy. The researcher obtained data from past literature to support the arguments of the study. The scholar selected the text regarding quality and reliability. The researcher used nine publications and one journal to acquire information. The qualitative method assisted the scholar in generalizing the findings using a considerable sample. Also, the process facilitates the researcher to provide an in-depth analysis of the strengths of Russia over Western countries. The internet was the research instrument in the study. The researcher retrieved sources from online websites. 

Sampling Methods 

The researcher used the purposive sampling method to select the sample from the population. The purposive technique focuses on choosing the research sample regarding the population features and purpose of the study. Thus, the scholar used the method to select the sources that could fulfill the aim of the research and acquire adequate information. The researcher found ten references that fulfilled the study’s objective. 

Data Analysis 

The scholar used the content analysis approach to assess the themes, meanings, and concepts of the data in the samples. The method is useful in studying the information from the texts. The researcher successfully established the findings after using the content strategy to assess the data from the samples. The scholar evaluated the sources systematically to facilitate the conversion of qualitative to quantitative information. Thus, the researcher used two research methods that were significant in establishing conclusions. 

Results 

The sample information was examined using the content analysis approach. The literature content indicates that Russia has a strong political agenda to counter the West and countries across the globe. Putin aims at positioning Russia strategically to control the world. Also, the social and cultural activities of the two regions have an indirect relationship. The West values privacy, uses English practices, embraces individualism, and recognizes LGBT which is contrary to Russian traditions. Russia counters the financial barriers imposed by the West. As a result, the conflicts between the two regions increase. Russia has powerful chemical and biological weapons which they use during wars. North Korea and China have not established developments in overpowering the West as compared to Russia. Therefore, Western Hemisphere security should be loved rather than feared to protect the countries from wars from rivals such as Russia. 

The Significance of the Study 

The research is significant in the field of international relations. Diplomats can use the findings to improve the relationship between the West and Russia. Also, the study can be a reference for scholars, students, and international relations officials. Students can use the findings in their research activities. Researchers can use the recommendations to provide significant insights into the subjects. The study has limitations besides its significant in the international diplomacy field. 

Limitations of Research and Areas for Improvement 

The first drawback of the research is that the qualitative method limits the sample population. The scholar established the conclusion using the limited information which reduces its credibility. Although the data was converted to quantitative information using the content approach, most of the findings were drawn from the qualitative strategy. Thus, there is a need for including the two sources in the next research. Secondly, the researcher used conceptual information to support the arguments. Future studies should consist of theoretical and practical data to establish claims. 

Findings and Recommendations 

The conflict between the West and Russia will continue because there are no strategies to mitigate the problems. Russia is interested in overpowering the Western region. Alternatively, the West cannot surrender to Russia because it perceives that the world might lack peace. Thus, the West continues to pursue Russia to reduce its power. The Western region has discovered that Russia’s ability relies on funds. The country cannot conduct its political, social, and warfare activities without finances. The West seeks to neutralize the strengths of Russia to reduce its power. For instance, Western nations developed financial restrictions to prohibit Russian from trading with their companies. Although some countries were still trading with Russia, the West imposed the laws since 2018. It is presumed that the conflicts might decrease due to the reduction of Russia’s economic power. However, the battle can increase because Russia has been developing counter-strategies in the past to neutralize the plans of the Western countries. 

The conflict between the West and Russia can be solved without establishing financial sanctions. Russia and the Western nations can interact to reduce cultural or social differences. The two regions can have common interests after establishing relationships. Secondly, Russia and the West can share power over the NATO treaties to solve the primary cause of the conflict. The two parties can hold conferences to discuss their interests in the NATO nations. Russia can control the area that it has profound interest. The West can regulate the region that is beneficial to them. Finally, Russia and Western countries can create unions with the aim of meeting their goals. Further, the West and Russia can assist each other during disasters or economic crisis. As a result, the conflict between the two regions can be neutralized. 

References 

Braden, K. E., & Shelley, F. M. (2017). Engaging geopolitics . London: Routledge. 

Defense Intelligence Agency. (2017). Russia military power: building a military to support high power aspirations. Pp 9-45. Retrieved from http://www.dia.mil/Portals/27/Documents/News/Military%20Power%20Publications/Russia%20Military%20Power%20Report%202017.pdf 

Diesen, G. (2016). EU and NATO relations with Russia: after the collapse of the Soviet Union . London; New York Routledge. 

Gelʹman, V. (2017). Authoritarian modernization in Russia: dilemmas, challenges, and constraints . London: Routledge. 

Gavrilenkov, E., Welfens, P. J. J., & Wiegert, R. (2013). Economic opening up and growth in Russia: finance, trade, market institutions, and energy . Berlin, Heidelberg: Springer Berlin Heidelberg. 

Lane, T., Oding, N., & Welfens, P. J. J. (2012). Real and financial economic dynamics in Russia and Eastern Europe . Berlin, Heidelberg: Springer Berlin Heidelberg. 

Makarychev, A. S., & Mommen, A. (2013). Russia's changing economic and political regimes: the Putin years and afterward . Oxfordshire, England: Routledge. 

Pavlovskai︠a︡, A. V. (2011). Culture shock!: a survival guide to customs and etiquette . Tarrytown, NY: Marshall Cavendish. 

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Samokhvalov, V. (2017). Russian-European relations in the Balkans and Black Sea Region: great power identity and the idea of Europe . Cham: Palgrave Macmillan. Bottom of Form 

Walker, S. (2018). The long hangover: Putin's new Russia and the ghosts of the past . New York, NY; Oxford University Press. Top of Form 

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