Thirteenth International Conference on Interdisciplinary Social Sciences

Abstract

Since the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Russia has confronted major foreign policy challenges including finding its place in the international arena and positioning itself among countries it once had under its total control. The loss was considerable, particularly in status, and it took a number of years to move away from the rhetoric of ‘great power’ to ‘one of the centers of influence in the world’. Russia’s regional ambitions, largely expressed trough its leading role in the CIS, continue in the legacy of the old empire. This legacy is reflected in Russia’s relations with Ukraine and Moldova. Albeit different cases with distinct issues, Ukraine and Moldova provide examples of Russia’s approach to maintaining and enhancing its influence in its immediate neighbourhood shared with other regional and global players, in particular the EU and NATO. Interestingly, both countries are considered a natural zone of influence. The reconciliation is not challenge free but constitutes an imperial legacy linking the past to future ambitions. Approaches Russia takes in relations with these countries, legacy and outlook, are addressed in this study. These approaches are incremental, yet guided by a long-term strategy, aiming to strengthen Russia’s regional and international status. It is both strategic and opportunistic. The issue is examined through the prism of international relations and decision making models to explain the motivation, context and how foreign policy decisions are made and executed in contemporary Russia.