Russia's Foreign Policy ― International Perceptions, Domestic Politics and External Relations

The Ukraine crisis in 2014 took many observers by surprise. Its magnitude and implications necessitated a better understanding of the drivers of Russia's actions in international politics. This collective volume analyses the evolution and main determinants of Russia's foreign policy choices. Containing contributions by renowned specialists on the topic, the study sheds light on and attempts to explain some of the new trends that have characterised Russia's contemporary foreign policy. These include the increasingly nationalistic tone in foreign policy discourse and the heightened level of animosity towards Europe. This study posits that Russia's contemporary foreign policy behaviour is driven, above all, by objectives and imperatives linked to domestic regime consolidation – foreign policy as the continuation of domestic politics by other means.

David Cadier is a Fellow in Diplomacy and International Strategy at the London School of Economics and Political Science. His research interests lie in foreign policy analysis, Central and Eastern Europe and EU-Russia relations.

Margot Light is Emeritus Professor of International Relations at the London School of Economics and Political Science. Her research focuses on East-West relations and Russian defence policy.