How has Russia increased its strength and power over the last 15 years? By what means did the Kremlin bring Armenia back into its orbit? Why did Azerbaijan and Georgia try to avoid antagonizing Moscow? Can we conclude that Russia has restored its sphere of influence in Eurasia? Employing a case-centric research design this book answers these questions by analyzing Russia’s foreign affairs in the South Caucasus after the end of the Cold War. Exploring the relevance for those affairs of the creation of the Eurasian Economic Union it uses neoclassical realism and regime theories as frameworks. Arguing that Russia’s material power capabilities guide Moscow’s foreign policies in all three South Caucasian states, the author points out that Russia responds to the uncertainties of international anarchy by seeking to control its former territory and shape its external environment according to its own preferences. This book will be of interest to academics and postgraduate students in International Relations, International Political Economy, Comparative Politics, and Foreign Policy as well as Eurasian Studies and Post-Soviet Studies.

Machine generated contents note: Introduction --Part One: A FAREWELL TO THE EMPIRE -- 1. The Spacial Dimension of Russian History -- 2. The Break-Up of the USSR: A Break in Continuity --Part Two: RUSSIA'S THREE FACADES -- 3. The Western Facade -- 4. The Southern Tier -- 5. The Far Eastern Backyard --Part Three: INTEGRATION -- 6. Domestic Boundaries and the Russian Question -- 7. Fitting Russia In --Conclusion: AFTER EURASIA.

Bridging foreign policy analysis and international political economy, this volume offers a new look at the problem of agency in comparative regional integration studies. It examines evolving regional integration projects in the Eurasian space, defined as the former Soviet Union countries and China, and the impact that Russian foreign policy has had on integration in the region. Mikhail Molchanov argues that new regionalism in Eurasia should be seen as a reactive response to contemporary challenges that these developing states face in the era of globalization. Regional integration in this part of the world treads the unknown waters and may not simply repeat the early steps in the evolution of the European Union. The question of a hegemonic leadership in particular, as exercised by a country that spearheads regional integration efforts, animates much of the discussion offered in the book. Moreover, Eurasian regionalisms are plural phenomena because of complementary and competing projects that engage the same, or partially overlapping, groups of countries. By combining foreign policy studies with an examination of the international political economy of regionalism in Eurasia the author furthers our understanding of new regionalism, both theoretically and empirically.

By combining perspectives from experts in domestic politics, regional politics, and specialists in international security, this edited volume focuses on the central role of energy production and supply in the Russian-Western completion across Eurasia.

The central objective of this edited volume is to help unlock a set of intriguing puzzles relating to changing power dynamics in Eurasia, a region that is critically important in the changing international security landscape.

"Moscow's overarching ambition toward Europe is to expand the "Eurasian space" in which Russia is the dominant political player. For Moscow, this means transforming Europe into an appendage of the Russian sphere of influence and debilitating Euro-Atlanticism by undercutting Europe's connections with the United States. The author explains that the most effective and realistic long-term Western strategy toward Russia needs to combine "practical engagement" with "strategic assertiveness.""--BOOK JACKET.

Comprises 15 essays organized into sections covering Russia, the western newly-independent states, and the southern newly- independent states. An introductory essay presents perspectives on foreign policy priorities and institutions. Paper edition (unseen), $19.95. Annotation copyright by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

First Published in 2015. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an Informa company.

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.