Publication

This paper examines the ways in which the Russian government has attempted to influence both the politics and foreign policy development of Europe, with a special emphasis on Greece, Italy and Spain. Key findings include that 1) Europe’s economic crisis was a watershed moment that facilitated doubt in the Western system and created opportunities for radical political parties, who have often aligned themselves with Russia; 2) pro-Russian political parties have transformed Italian politics; 3) currently, there is a palpable Greek reorientation away from the US and European institutions as well as a renewal of relations with Russia; and 4) Spain, unlike Italy and Greece, has not been a target of Russian influence, but still remains vulnerable to it.