Russia's Position in a Changing World

Author(s): Hans-Henning Schröder
Editor(s): Matthias Neumann, Robert Orttung, Jeronim Perovic, Heiko Pleines, Hans-Henning Schröder
Series: Russian Analytical Digest (RAD)
Issue: 6
Pages: 2-4
Publisher(s): Center for Security Studies (CSS), ETH Zurich; Research Centre for East European Studies, University of Bremen
Publication Year: 2006

In recent years, Russian foreign policy has exhibited a new assertiveness that is causing concern in the West, invoking memories of the other superpower, the USSR. Unfortunately for Russia's leaders, however, the country's claim to global power is not matched by adequate economic, military, and political resources for the successful pursuit of such a policy. But the Kremlin hopes to take advantage of a shift in the international balance of power caused by a weakening of the US. It has benefited from changes in the global energy market that have strengthened the hand of supplier countries. In this light, the Putin administration sees the new situation as an opportunity to reposition Russia on the international stage.

Download:

English (PDF)