Russia and the World (Routledge Europe-Asia Studies)

This volume brings together analyses of key domestic, foreign and security policy issues during the Putin and Medvedev administrations. Indeed, the chapters demonstrate the extent to which domestic and foreign policy issues are inextricably linked, in particular in the domain of security, whether 'hard' or 'soft'. Internal debates regarding Russia's trajectory, including issues of national identity; economic modernisation, human rights and democracy, continue to be at the forefront of concern.

Moreover, these debates are intimately connected to Russia's self-image and the image therefore, that it wishes to project in the wider world. The debates focus on Russia as 'energy superpower'; as one of the 'BRICS'; as an Eurasian landbridge, or a window on the Asia-Pacific. Such debates are a constant reminder of the uncertainty surrounding Russia's future path. This book expresses these uncertainties which range from the role of nuclear weapons and energy to critiques of Russia's approach to concepts such as sovereignty and self-determination; the fight against terrorism, insurgency, and the role of Islam within and without. Russia may have left the 'chaos' of the Yeltsin years behind but, as we move into 'Putin 3.0', the concerns of these chapters will remain critical both to Russia itself, and to Russia's relations with the wider world.

This book was published as a special issue of Europe-Asia Studies.

Natasha Kuhrt's research interests encompass Russian and post-Soviet foreign and security policies, with a particular interest in China, Japan and the Asia-Pacific, and Asia-Pacific security in general. She also teaches and researches in the field of nationalism and ethnic conflict, and issues relating to humanitarian intervention and sovereignty. Dr Kuhrt is co-convenor of the BISA Working Group on Russian and Eurasian Foreign and Security Policies.