The quest for status: how the interplay of power, ideas, and regime security shapes Russia’s policy in the post-Soviet space

Abstract

The aim of this article is to analyze how power, ideas, and domestic factors contribute to Russia's goal of status recognition. The article focuses in particular on Moscow's policies and actions in the post-Soviet area. Toward this end, it looks at recent developments in Russia's policy toward Ukraine, including the developments leading to the annexation of Crimea and events after the signing of the Minsk II agreement. Relatedly, it also addresses the formation of the Eurasian Economic Union. Finally, it looks at Moscow's policy toward Georgia since the 2008 war. In short, the article seeks to understand how Russia's status ambitions-underpinned by power politics, ideas, and domestic factors-shape its foreign policy behavior in the post-Soviet area.

Digital literacy and technopolitics, core enablers in a disintermediated digital political communication age

“…In the making of foreign policy, material conditions such as military capacities, economic performance or geopolitical considerations are fundamental, but insufficient to grasp the complexity of the decision process. Non-material elements, such as identity building, status-seeking and the shaping of narratives are also key (Freire, 2019). In fact, narratives embody representations that are both a reflex of understandings and of practices of interaction, building often "on a particular construction of self-identity in relation to the conceived identity of others" (Jepperson;Wendt;Katzenstein, 1996).…”

Untitled

“…The Logic of Power and Norms Interpreting Russia's intervention in separatism in the post-Soviet space solely from a geopolitical perspective, especially the logic of power, may inevitably be one-sided, and could also limit our understanding of the underlying identity politics and values. Russia's foreign policy, especially in the Post-Soviet Space, is driven by both power and identity (Freire, 2019), and these identity and value attributes are also reflected in Russia's stance and policies towards the international system, international norms, and principles (Ambrosio, 2005: viii). For example, Russia's discourse defending the "return" of Crimea's territory is based on historical and international law (people's self-determination, "responsibility to protect"), indicating that narrow geopolitical interests are not the only factors at play.…”

EU and Russia competing projects in the neighbourhood: an ontological security approach

“…Because no one can feel that international law is like a stone wall that will protect them" (Putin 2007). This provided ground for Russia's status building strategy as a great power (Freire 2018). Ontological security in Russia was very much built on the frontline of competition with the West, causing anxiety in the EU regarding Russia's intentions.…”