Russian Foreign Policy in Context

Description

This paper puts Russian foreign policy in historical context. It posits Russia, rather than being a disruptor intent on overturning the established European order, is instead intent on slowing or reversing the change in world order brought about by the fall of the Warsaw Pact and USSR. Shifting Moscow’s direct influence a thousand miles east has transformed vassal states and territorial conquests into westward-facing pivots and members of the North Atlantic military and economic apparatus. One can interpret Russia’s response to this turn of events as one of nineteenth-century European conservatism rather than an attempt to reimagine the global balance of power. This interpretation also helps to explain the lackluster reaction to Russia’s actions and an acquiescence to Russian incursions in Georgia and Ukraine and actions elsewhere in Europe. What makes Kremlin foreign policy difficult for some in the west to predict and react to is not its goals, but its methods. Rejection of international law, institutions, and sovereignty while resorting to tactics that expose vulnerabilities in more open countries have allowed Moscow to enjoy remarkable foreign policy victories despite a weakening position in the international order. The paper concludes with thoughts on Russia’s long-term foreign policy objectives and likely future actions.

Period	22 Nov 2019
Event title	International Studies Association Midwest Conference 2019
Event type	Conference
Location	St. Louis, United States, MissouriShow on map
Degree of Recognition	International