Russia in a Changing World

"This wide-ranging volume presents a range of views from Russia, provided by some of the leading scholars from the region. The book provides a unique insight into Russian thinking, revealing its diversity as well as the over-riding common perspectives." —Richard Sakwa, University of Kent and Higher School of Economics, UK “Russia and the Changing World is an excellent summary of the country’s global priorities by leading experts of a top university" —Andrei P. Tsygankov, San Francisco State University, USA This book explores Russia’s efforts towards both adapting to and shaping a world in transformation. Russia has been largely marginalized in the post-Cold War era and has struggled to find its place in the world, which means that the chaotic changes in the world present Russia with both threats and opportunities. The rapid shift in the international distribution of power and emergence of a multipolar world disrupts the existing order, although it also enables Russia to diversify it partnerships and restore balance. Adapting to these changes involves restructuring its economy and evolving the foreign policy. The crises in liberalism, environmental degradation, and challenge to state sovereignty undermine political and economic stability while also widening Russia’s room for diplomatic maneuvering. This book analyzes how Moscow interprets these developments and its ability to implement the appropriate responses. Glenn Diesen is a Professor at the National Research University - Higher School of Economics in Moscow, and an editor at the Russia in Global Affairs journal. His research focuses on the socio-economics of Greater Eurasia and the emerging strategic partnership between Russia and China. Alexander Lukin is Director of the Centre for East Asian and Shanghai Cooperation Organization Studies, at Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO-University), Head of Department of International Relations and International Laboratory on World Order Studies and the New Regionalism at National Research University Higher School of Economics, Moscow, Russia, and Chair Professor in the School of Public Affairs of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.