Russia

Definition

Russia is the largest country in the world, spanning Eastern Europe and Northern Asia, with a rich history that has shaped its role as a key player in global politics. Known for its vast natural resources and strategic military capabilities, Russia has often been viewed as a great power, influencing international relations and global order through its policies and actions. Its interactions with other states, especially during periods of tension and conflict, reveal the complexities of its position in international society.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Russia is known for its expansive landmass, covering over 17 million square kilometers and sharing borders with 14 countries.
2. After the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, Russia emerged as an independent nation and sought to redefine its role in the post-Cold War world.
3. Russia's natural resources, particularly oil and gas, are critical to its economy and have made it a key player in global energy markets.
4. The country's military capabilities are significant, with one of the largest armed forces in the world and a substantial nuclear arsenal.
5. Russia's foreign policy often emphasizes the protection of its sovereignty and regional influence, leading to conflicts with neighboring countries and tensions with Western powers.

Review Questions

• How has Russia's historical context influenced its current position in international society?
  • Russia's historical context, including its legacy as the core of the Soviet Union, has profoundly influenced its current position in international society. The transition from a communist regime to a more market-oriented economy after 1991 brought challenges, including political instability and economic reforms. As a result, Russia has sought to assert itself on the global stage while dealing with perceptions rooted in its past, often leading to strained relationships with Western nations.
• Discuss how Russia's status as a great power affects its interactions with other countries in shaping international order.
  • As a great power, Russia plays a critical role in shaping international order through its diplomatic strategies and military engagements. Its permanent membership in the United Nations Security Council allows it to wield significant influence over global decisions. Additionally, Russia's involvement in conflicts such as those in Ukraine and Syria showcases its willingness to assert its interests forcefully while challenging Western dominance, affecting regional stability and global alliances.
• Evaluate the implications of Russia's resource wealth for its foreign policy decisions and relationships with other nations.
  • Russia's vast natural resource wealth, particularly in oil and gas, has major implications for its foreign policy decisions. This wealth provides leverage in energy-dependent regions and has allowed Russia to pursue assertive policies that can challenge Western influence. For example, by using energy supplies as a tool for political pressure or economic partnerships, Russia can strengthen alliances with other nations while undermining adversaries. Consequently, this resource-based strategy has shaped both regional dynamics and global geopolitical relationships.

Related terms

Soviet Union: A former federation of communist republics that existed from 1922 to 1991, which included Russia and was a dominant force in global politics during the Cold War.

Great Power: A nation that holds significant political, economic, and military influence on a global scale, often involved in shaping international order.

Geopolitics: The study of the effects of geography on international politics and international relations, particularly regarding power dynamics among nations.