Russia's foreign policy is shaped by a deep-seated tension between three competing ideological schools.
In short: Since the Soviet Union's collapse, the Kremlin has navigated a complex path between Western integration and a return to imperial influence. This ideological tug-of-war, ranging from Atlanticism to Eurasianism, defines how Moscow interacts with global powers, manages its neighbors, and views its place in a multipolar world order.
The foreign policy of the Russian Federation has been defined by a persistent conflict between three primary ideological schools of thought. Atlanticists initially dominated the post-Soviet era, advocating for closer ties with the United States and the West. However, this approach faced significant backlash for failing to protect Russian interests in the former USSR. Consequently, Imperialists emerged, seeking to restore the semi-hegemonic status lost during the 1990s, while Neo-Slavophiles promoted isolation within a distinct cultural sphere.
Eurasianism, a school originating in the early 20th century, has gained significant traction as an official ideological framework under Vladimir Putin. Proponents argue that Russia represents a unique blend of Slavic, Turkic, and Asiatic cultures, rejecting Western liberalism as a form of imperialism. This perspective emphasizes the legacy of Chinggis Khan and advocates for a trans-continental state. This shift has been accompanied by increasingly critical rhetoric toward Western institutions, with Putin famously condemning the US for its monopolistic dominance and the unconstrained use of force at the 2007 Munich Conference.
Relations with the West have deteriorated sharply since the mid-2000s, marked by disputes over NATO expansion, missile defense systems, and regional conflicts. The 2008 South Ossetia War, the 2014 annexation of Crimea, and the 2022 invasion of Ukraine have fundamentally altered the landscape. While Russia now maintains strained or non-existent diplomatic ties with many Western nations, it continues to cultivate strong partnerships across the Global South, particularly in Asia and Africa. This strategy reflects a broader desire to build a multipolar world that challenges US-led positions, even as analysts remain divided on whether these maneuvers represent a successful expansion of influence or a strategic diplomatic disaster.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Foreign relations of Russia
- Also: Wikidata — foreign policy of Russia · CC0
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