In a truly contemporary analysis of Moscow′s relations with its neighbors and other strategic international actors, Gvosdev and Marsh use a comprehensive vectors approach, dividing the world into eight geographic zones. Each vector chapter looks at the dynamics of key bilateral relationships while highlighting major topical issues―oil and energy, defense policy, economic policy, the role of international institutions, and the impact of major interest groups or influencers―demonstrating that Russia formulates multiple, sometimes contrasting, foreign policies. Providing rich historical context as well as exposure to the scholarly literature, the authors offer an incisive look at how and why Russia partners with some states while it counter-balances others.
Nikolas K. Gvosdev (PhD, St. Antony′s College, Oxford University) is professor of national security studies at the U.S. Naval War College, a senior editor at The National Interest, and a frequent commentator on U.S. foreign policy and international relations, Russian and Eurasian affairs, developments in the Middle East, and the role of religion in politics. The co-author of The Receding Shadow of the Prophet: The Rise and Fall of Political Islam, Gvosdev has published over 50 articles, columns, and essays on democratization and human rights; general foreign policy; energy policy; foreign policy of Russia and the Eurasian states; U.S. foreign policy and the Middle East; politics and culture of the Eurasian states; and religion and politics. His work has appeared in Foreign Affairs, The Financial Times, The Los Angeles Times, National Review, Religion State and Society, The National Interest, Orbis, The Washington Quarterly, Problems of Post-Communism, and World Policy Journal.
Christopher Marsh is a professor at the School of Advanced Military Studies, U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth. Previously he taught international terrorism and irregular warfare at the US Air Force Special Operations School, Hurlburt Field, and was a professor of political science at Baylor University for 12 years. He is the author of several books on Russian affairs and comparative Russian-Chinese politics, including Unparalleled Reforms (2006) and Religion and the State in Russia and China (2011). His current research focuses on Russian foreign and defense policy, particularly military cooperation between Russia and China, and religion and war.
