Jeffrey Mankoff, a Yale graduate and scholar in Russia and Eurasia studies, in this book examines the development of Russian foreign policy since the Dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991.
Mankoff provides a thoughtful overview of the continuity and change in Russian foreign policy since the end of the Cold War to Putin, and analyzes Russia's interactions with major global considering various theoretical approaches including theory of international relations, classical geopolitical theory, and Russian geopolitical tradition.
This book begins with an introduction entitled “The Guns of August”, addressing South Ossetia conflict, which was simultaneous with Beijing Olympics
On the following 6 chapters, Mankoff argues that Russia’s more assertive …show more content…
Within this framework, Mankoff explores in detail the ups and downs in U.S.-Russian relations, Russia's complex interaction with Europe, its relations with Asia, and the course of its dealings with its post-Soviet neighbors.
Mankoff indicates that Russia’s international behavior in general and its relations with much of the rest of the world including Europe, China and the countries of the former Soviet Union “can be understood only in the context of Moscow’s strategy for dealing with Washington” (p.103).
In the author’s view, “what was therefore notable about Putin’s approach was the degree to which he emphasized the maintenance of a basically positive relationship with the US, even at the cost of unpopular sacrifices” (p.101).
Mankoff concludes that Russia should be treated as other large non-Western states such as China, India, South Africa, Brazil, Mexico, Pakistan and many more. All of them might frequently represent a significant challenge but cooperation with them is still possible and even necessary. Unfortunately because of the habit of thinking about Russia in terms of the bygone Cold War, it has been much harder for the West to work out a new framework for dealing with Moscow that is no longer either a foe or an ally
Mankoff provides a thoughtful overview of the continuity and change in Russian foreign policy since the end of the Cold War to Putin, and analyzes Russia's interactions with major global considering various theoretical approaches including theory of international relations, classical geopolitical theory, and Russian geopolitical tradition.
This book begins with an introduction entitled “The Guns of August”, addressing South Ossetia conflict, which was simultaneous with Beijing Olympics
On the following 6 chapters, Mankoff argues that Russia’s more assertive …show more content…
Within this framework, Mankoff explores in detail the ups and downs in U.S.-Russian relations, Russia's complex interaction with Europe, its relations with Asia, and the course of its dealings with its post-Soviet neighbors.
Mankoff indicates that Russia’s international behavior in general and its relations with much of the rest of the world including Europe, China and the countries of the former Soviet Union “can be understood only in the context of Moscow’s strategy for dealing with Washington” (p.103).
In the author’s view, “what was therefore notable about Putin’s approach was the degree to which he emphasized the maintenance of a basically positive relationship with the US, even at the cost of unpopular sacrifices” (p.101).
Mankoff concludes that Russia should be treated as other large non-Western states such as China, India, South Africa, Brazil, Mexico, Pakistan and many more. All of them might frequently represent a significant challenge but cooperation with them is still possible and even necessary. Unfortunately because of the habit of thinking about Russia in terms of the bygone Cold War, it has been much harder for the West to work out a new framework for dealing with Moscow that is no longer either a foe or an ally