Russia's Foreign Policy: Change and Continuity in National Identity

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Rowman & Littlefield, 2006 - 217 pages
This clear and comprehensive text explores the past quarter-century of Soviet/Russian international relations, comparing foreign policy formation under Gorbachev, Yeltsin, and Putin. Drawing on an impressive mastery of both Russian and Western sources, Andrei P. Tsygankov shows how Moscow's policies have shifted with each leader's vision of Russia's national interests. He evaluates the successes and failures of Russia's foreign policies, explaining its many turns as Russia's identity and interaction with the West have evolved. The author concludes with nuanced insights into Putin's distinctive course, which balances an enduring quest for great power status with the desire for a special relationship with Western nations.
 

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Contents

Understanding Change and Continuity in Russias Foreign Policy
1
The Cold War Crisis and the Soviet New Thinking
31
The PostCold War Euphoria and Russias Liberal Westernism
55
The New Security Challenges and Great Power Balancing
91
The World after September 11 and Great Power Pragmatism
127
Lessons from Studying Russia
167
Suggestions for Further Reading
189
Index
209
About the Author
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About the author (2006)

Andrei P. Tsygankov is associate professor of international relations/political science at San Francisco State University.

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