Russian resurgence in the international arena has been one of the most controversial topics in European security in recent months. What drives Russian foreign policy at the end of the Putin era? Does it reflect the intensifying domestic struggle between factions and interest groups manoeuvring for dominance of the Kremlin? Is Russian international behaviour a product of the commercial pursuits of Russian energy exporters? Is it a policy fuelled by neoimperial ambition and desire to bring back under Moscow's control lands conquered by a succession of Russian emperors over more than two centuries? Or are we witnessing Moscow's painful adaptation to its new, diminished circumstances, and its attempts to develop a new international posture in relation to militarily vastly superior neighbours in Europe and Asia? And, last but not least, how should Europe and the United States respond to the new Russian foreign policy?

These are the questions that will be addressed in this Adelphi Paper. The paper will examine the key drivers of Russian foreign policy - domestic politics and economic, military and security considerations - and conclude with recommendations for Western policymakers on how to deal with Russia's return to the international arena as an assertive actor after its long period of introspection and preoccupation with domestic troubles. The paper should be of interest to scholars, policymakers and non-specialists interested in Russia and international relations.

The disintegration of the Soviet Union in 1991 rapidly and irrevocably transformed Central Asia's political landscape. This region of five sovereign states with a population of some fifty million people quickly became a major focus of interest and influence for competing poles of power. The eminent contributors to this volume offer a four-part analysis of the region's new importance in world affairs. Rajan Menon examines the place of Central Asia in a global perspective. Eugene Rumer considers the perspective of the post-9/11 United States. Dimitri Trenin looks at the region from the standpoint of traditional hegemon Russia. Huasheng Zhao provides the view from economic superpower-in-the-making China.

The disintegration of the Soviet Union in 1991 rapidly and irrevocably transformed Central Asia's political landscape. This region of five sovereign states with a population of some fifty million people quickly became a major focus of interest and influence for competing poles of power. The eminent contributors to this volume offer a four-part analysis of the region's new importance in world affairs. Rajan Menon examines the place of Central Asia in a global perspective, while Dimitri Trenin looks at it from the standpoint of traditional hegemon Russia. Huasheng Zhao provides the view from economic superpower-in-the-making China, and Eugene Rumer represents the position of the post-9/11 United States.

Russia's resurgence as an assertive actor in the global diplomatic arena after a long period of introspection and preoccupation with domestic troubles, and the economic revival that underpins it, are among the most striking developments in international relations of recent years. But what drives Russian foreign policy at the end of the Putin era? To what extent is it shaped by Russia's role as a major energy supplier, and how long can the country remain anenergy superpower if indeed it is one? How might Russian foreign policy change in the years ahead? Which way will Russia, faced with the might of growing powers around it, and struggling with the fragility of its economic success and stability at home, choose to face in international relations? This Adelphi Paper examines the domestic context of contemporary Russian foreign policy and its key political, economic, military and security drivers, as well as looking at the contrasting outlook that preceded it, and at how Russia's international posture may adjust again in the coming years. It concludes with recommendations for Western policy makers on how to respond to Russia's return.

The crisis in Ukraine and its implications for both the Crimean peninsula and Russia's relations with the West. The current conflict in Ukraine has spawned the most serious crisis between Russia and the West since the end of the Cold War. It has undermined European security, raised questions about NATO's future, and put an end to one of the most ambitious projects of U.S. foreign policy-building a partnership with Russia. It also threatens to undermine U.S. diplomatic efforts on issues ranging from terrorism to nuclear proliferation. And in the absence of direct negotiations, each side is betting that political and economic pressure will force the other to blink first. Caught in this dangerous game of chicken, the West cannot afford to lose sight of the importance of stable relations with Russia. This book puts the conflict in historical perspective by examining the evolution of the crisis and assessing its implications both for the Crimean peninsula and for Russia's relations with the West more generally. Experts in the international relations of post-Soviet states, political scientists Rajan Menon and Eugene Rumer clearly show what is at stake in Ukraine, explaining the key economic, political, and security challenges and prospects for overcoming them. They also discuss historical precedents, sketch likely outcomes, and propose policies for safeguarding U.S.-Russia relations in the future. In doing so, they provide a comprehensive and accessible study of a conflict whose consequences will be felt for many years to come.