Euro-Atlantic Integration - Ukrainian Security Options in the Twenty- First Century: Origins and Developments

摘要

This thesis reviews security options, available for Ukraine since it emerged as an independent state. The choice of taking the European model for the development, integration to the Euro-Atlantic security structures and then to European economic and political space became the dominant option for the current Ukrainian government. Neutrality and Euro-Asian (Russian) vectors of policy, exploited in the past, gained less attention under the current domestic and international environment. However, certain encouragement and support for Ukraine from Western societies is needed. Otherwise, Ukrainian ambitious plans would remain declarations, euro-skepticism among Ukrainians might increase, and a shift from Europe to Eurasia may occur.