Foreign Policy of Russia
Introduction:
The foreign policy of Russia is influenced by its past as the center of the former Soviet Union, its
geographical size, and its ambition to continue as a world power. After the fall of the USSR in
1991, Russia transitioned to a period of adjustment. But with President Vladimir Putin at its
helm, it has tried to restore itself as a significant geopolitical player. Russia's foreign policy
emphasizes strategic autonomy, regional hegemony, security, and resisting Western,
particularly American and NATO, influence.
1. Post-Soviet Transition Period (1991–1999):
Following the USSR's collapse, Boris Yeltsin's administration pursued a pro-Western
foreign policy.
Russia became a member of international organizations such as the IMF, World Bank,
and the Partnership for Peace with NATO.
But the 1990s were followed by economic crisis and loss of world influence.
Russia opposed NATO intervention in Kosovo (1999), representing initial resistance to
Western unilateralism.
2. Putin's First Terms (2000–2008):
Vladimir Putin stressed Russian resurgence and global status.
Better relations with the West post-9/11, but became strained over NATO expansion and
the Iraq War.
Assumed a more assertive stance in former Soviet republics, particularly in Georgia,
Ukraine, and Central Asia.
Utilized energy diplomacy (oil and gas exports) to project power over Europe.
Founded the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) as an alternative to
NATO.
3. Assertive Russia (2008–2014):
War with Georgia (2008) constituted Russia's first overt post–Cold War military
intervention.
Growing distrust of Western presence in post-Soviet countries (e.g., Color
Revolutions).
Strengthened relations with China, India, and Middle Eastern nations.
Emphasized restoring influence in Eurasia, especially via the Eurasian Economic
Union (EEU).
Opposed American missile defense installations in Eastern Europe.
4. Ukrainian Crisis and International Tensions (2014–2021):
Introduction:
The foreign policy of Russia is influenced by its past as the center of the former Soviet Union, its
geographical size, and its ambition to continue as a world power. After the fall of the USSR in
1991, Russia transitioned to a period of adjustment. But with President Vladimir Putin at its
helm, it has tried to restore itself as a significant geopolitical player. Russia's foreign policy
emphasizes strategic autonomy, regional hegemony, security, and resisting Western,
particularly American and NATO, influence.
1. Post-Soviet Transition Period (1991–1999):
Following the USSR's collapse, Boris Yeltsin's administration pursued a pro-Western
foreign policy.
Russia became a member of international organizations such as the IMF, World Bank,
and the Partnership for Peace with NATO.
But the 1990s were followed by economic crisis and loss of world influence.
Russia opposed NATO intervention in Kosovo (1999), representing initial resistance to
Western unilateralism.
2. Putin's First Terms (2000–2008):
Vladimir Putin stressed Russian resurgence and global status.
Better relations with the West post-9/11, but became strained over NATO expansion and
the Iraq War.
Assumed a more assertive stance in former Soviet republics, particularly in Georgia,
Ukraine, and Central Asia.
Utilized energy diplomacy (oil and gas exports) to project power over Europe.
Founded the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) as an alternative to
NATO.
3. Assertive Russia (2008–2014):
War with Georgia (2008) constituted Russia's first overt post–Cold War military
intervention.
Growing distrust of Western presence in post-Soviet countries (e.g., Color
Revolutions).
Strengthened relations with China, India, and Middle Eastern nations.
Emphasized restoring influence in Eurasia, especially via the Eurasian Economic
Union (EEU).
Opposed American missile defense installations in Eastern Europe.
4. Ukrainian Crisis and International Tensions (2014–2021):
