Russia has not applied for NATO membership. Joining NATO is a complex process, and it requires potential member countries to meet certain criteria and go through a series of negotiations and assessments.
There are several reasons why Russia has not applied for NATO membership:
Historical Tensions: Russia has had a long history of tensions with NATO and its predecessor, the Warsaw Pact. During the Cold War, these two military alliances represented opposing ideological and geopolitical blocs, and even after the end of the Cold War, relations have remained strained at times.
Strategic Concerns: Some Russian leaders perceive NATO's expansion eastward as a security threat. They view NATO's enlargement as encroaching on what they consider to be Russia's traditional sphere of influence. This concern has been particularly evident with NATO's expansion to include former Soviet republics and Eastern European countries.
Political and Ideological Differences: NATO member countries are required to adhere to democratic principles, respect human rights, and promote stability and cooperation in international relations. Russia's political system and policies differ significantly from those of NATO members, which could pose challenges in terms of compatibility and alignment.
Existing Partnership: While Russia is not a member of NATO, it does engage in some forms of cooperation with the alliance. Russia and NATO have established a relationship through various mechanisms, such as the NATO-Russia Council, which allows for political dialogue, cooperation on issues of mutual interest, and the management of potential crises.
Domestic Factors: The decision to apply for NATO membership is not only influenced by international factors but also by domestic politics and public sentiment within Russia. There might be opposition to joining NATO from certain segments of the Russian population or political establishment.
It is essential to note that the geopolitical landscape is constantly evolving, and international relations can change over time. Whether Russia will ever apply for NATO membership in the future remains uncertain and would depend on a multitude of political, strategic, and diplomatic factors.