Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
Department of Regional Studies, Faculty of Law and Political Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
2
Department of Regional Studies, Faculty of Law and Political Science, University of Tehran, Iran
10.22059/jices.2023.95145
Abstract
Russia has consistently considered the expansion of North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) as a significant security concern, prompting them to take various measures to hinder NATO's enlargement. These actions include the annexation of Crimea in 2014, frequent violations of Finnish airspace between 2014 and 2022, and the Russia-Ukraine war in 2022. Through these incidents, Russia has effectively demonstrated its military capabilities and superiority over NATO member states, thereby dissuading nations with aspirations to join NATO. Consequently, NATO members and those aspiring to join have actively sought advanced weaponry with superior technology and cost-effectiveness in order to counter and compete with Russia's military actions and advantages. Within NATO, the United States holds a crucial position as both the creator and a key member, aswell as being the sole producer of fifth-generation aircraft fighters. This puts the
United States at the forefront of technological advancements and grants it the ability to influence nations to view joining NATO as an attractive option. Hence, it comes as no surprise that numerous NATO members express a strong desire to engage in arms deals with the United States, either to acquire the stealth aircraft or establish bases for their deployment. The United States' role in providing cutting-edge military equipment further solidifies its importance within NATO and reinforces the alliance's collective deterrent against potential threats. The primary objective of this research is to demonstrate how the introduction of the F-35 can enhance U.S. hegemony within NATO, using the theory of hegemony as a conceptual framework. Specifically, this study will investigate how Russia's threats present a unique opportunity for the U.S. to consolidate its hegemonic influence within NATO by establishing a technological dependence on its advanced aircraft. This approach allows the U.S. to mitigate threats from Russia by imposing restrictions and sanctions on the sale of the F-35 to discourage arms trade between other NATO members and Russia. Furthermore, the study will highlight how the F-35 can serve as an incentive for non-NATO members to join the alliance, as it enhances the interoperability of combat networks with other European F-35s. Overall, this research aims to examine the role of the F-35 in strengthening U.S. dominance over fellow NATO members and its potential to shape the dynamics within the alliance.
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