What is Foreign Policy?
Image Courtesy of The Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs
A country’s foreign policy refers to the general objectives that guide its activities and relationships with other nations. The concept often becomes a point of contention in political campaigns; candidates disagree over how to forge their nation’s image and interests on the international stage. In the Russian Federation, foreign policy is a major part of the Kremlin’s political agenda. Experts describe Putin’s foreign policy as a bulwark against the West, particularly through measured efforts to curtail US hegemony or global dominance. Through flexible alliances and involvement in the major geopolitical regions of the world, many argue Russia has taken steps to dismantle the status quo and change the international order to allow other world powers to emerge and govern.
Russia’s Foreign Policy Tools
Image Courtesy of Gazprom
Military intervention is just one way countries can implement their foreign policy initiatives. Countries now have other foreign policy tools at their disposal. In recent years, Russia has continually made headlines due to accusations of disinformation campaigns, cyber-attacks, and interference in foreign elections. Moreover, Russia’s state-owned oil and gas companies provide the economic resources and influence to help shape and carry out foreign policy goals throughout Europe. This is most notably evidenced by the Russian company Gazprom’s ownership of the Nord Stream 2 Pipeline, which runs from Russia to Germany. Many argue it will allow Russia to yield greater geopolitical power in Europe.
Russia and the US
Image Courtesy of Center for New American Security
Marred by a history of volatility, the relationship between the United States and the Russian Federation is critical to international security. Both nations maintain nuclear capabilities and powerful militaries. After deteriorating peaceful diplomatic relations following the fall of the Soviet Union, the dynamic between the countries has evolved with each administration. During the Clinton years, the US and Russia maintained a friendly relationship; President Clinton supported President Yeltsin’s policies and commitment to Russian democracy. Despite President George W. Bush’s preoccupation with the War on Terror, the Bush Administration sought to embrace a cautious but cooperative relationship when President Putin came into power. By the the end of Bush’s second term, however, relations became strained. In the Obama Era, US-Russia relations grew more tense. Furthermore, accusations of collusion with the Kremlin, which led to an official investigation, tainted the image of the Trump Administration. In recent years, the complicated relationship has continued to deteriorate, with some experts claiming that it mirrors Cold War tensions. The US has accused Russia of systematic efforts to disrupt American interests both domestically and abroad. Prompted by Russia’s role in the Ukrainian crisis and increased aggression, the US has reduced its political relationship with Russia. Alongside its EU partners, the US has also imposed economic sanctions and travel restrictions on Russia and key Russian policymakers.
Russia and the European Union Image Courtesy of Financial Times
Unlike US-Russia relations, the relationship between the Russian Federation and European Union is more nuanced. In geopolitical terms, Russia and its European neighbors consider each other potential threats, forcing key flexible working relationships. France and Germany–the two countries with the most economic influence in the EU–have made clear their intentions to “reset” their relationships with Russia to foster stability in the region and achieve mutual political goals. This has been met with stark criticism due to accusations of Russia’s efforts to induce democratic backsliding throughout eastern Europe and unchecked corruption. The Kremlin has claimed that the current EU-Russia relationship lacks aspects of a truly equal partnership and continues to be influenced by past actions during the Cold War. Thus, Russia and its European neighbors maintain an uncertain future in their diplomatic relationships.
The relationship between Russia and NATO, an international organization considered an extension of the West, has always been strained. Many argue that NATO views Russian aggression as a threat to its objectives of maintaining peace and democracy. On the other hand, Russia views NATO expansion into the post-Soviet space as a direct threat to its sovereignty with aims to curtail Russia’s sphere of influence.
Russia and Latin America
Image Courtesy of Royal United Services Institute (RUSI)
As with many of Russia’s other current diplomatic relationships, the Soviet Union’s role in the Cold War continues to influence relations between Russia and strategic Latin American countries. Russia maintains its post-Cold War sphere of influence in Cuba, where the two have managed both an economic and military partnership. Recently, the US has imposed sanctions for the mishandling of demonstrators during protests. In contrast, Russia, united with the communist regime, has called for non-interference from outside actors. Russia has also sent aid to protect its influence with the shifting regime. Venezuela constitutes another Russian ally as Maduro depends on Cuban military forces backed by Russian aid and weaponry. Many argue that Russia has made a strategic alliance with Venezuela to create instability with the US in the region. Russia’s intervention in Latin America has benefited from political transitions, which some claim exhibit the Kremlin’s efforts to prove Russia as a global rather than a regional power. In the 2021 presidential election in Nicaragua, Daniel Ortega won his fourth consecutive term amid controversy surrounding the legitimacy of the results. In turn, the US announced sanctions against Nicaragua. Russia has condemned the US and others who have rejected Nicaragua’s election results as a Russia-Nicaragua partnership holds weight in Russia’s foreign policy ambitions in Latin America.
