Globalisation is accepted in the West as an inevitable process that may challenge national policies, has to be adapted to and cannot be stopped. In Russia, the phenomenon is seen as challenging, even threatening and hostile to the national interest and the future of the country. The leading political elite build their domestic rhetoric on the illegitimate and dangerous pursuit of those processes.

In the global arena, Russia is falling behind, it is dragging its feet on accession to the WTO and it is a protectionist and inward-looking country. Russia does not stand up as the leading partner or mediator in any major international issue with no significant ally outside the Community of Independent States (CIS). Vladimir Putin is seeking to boost his countrys international standing and geopolitical role. This volume has the ambition of offering an original analysis of Russias national interest and foreign policy in interaction with European, American and Asian partners. The book discusses Russian perceptions and policies from inside the system, with authors who have a deep insight into the Russian political, social and economic environment. It also features two chapters on Russias relations with US and Europe and further analyses European approaches and policies toward Russia.

Providing a detailed examination of Russias complex foreign relations, this book will be of interest to students and researchers of Russia, foreign policy, political science and international relations.