Post-Soviet Space in the Context of Russia–West Relations: Problems and Prospects

Abstract

This article analyses the problems of the рost-Soviet space as the most important factors affecting both Russia–West (US–Russia in the first place) relations and global geopolitical processes. The development of the approaches of Russia and the West to the former Soviet republics during the 1990s and 2020s is analysed. The evolution of Russia’s foreign policy in the post-Soviet space is demonstrated: from uncertainty during the 1990s to a tough, forceful defence of the country’s geopolitical interests in the region in the 2000s – 2020s. Further, key stages of Russia’s foreign policy are considered: the foundation of the Collective Security Treaty Organization and Eurasian Economic Union, the Russo-Georgian War of 2008, and the accession of Crimea to Russia in 2014. In addition, the main concepts and projects of the West are analysed here, i.e. Z. Brzeziński’s concept of geopolitical pluralism, A. Lake’s democratic enlargement, the Eastern Partnership project, and NATO’s eastward expansion. Moreover, the paper demonstrates the gradual deterioration of Russia–West relations in the post-Soviet space, the latter being transformed into a region of relentless rivalry between the two parties. The author concludes that relations between Russia and the West in the post-Soviet space have practically reached a dead end. Both Russia and the West have adopted a position of deliberate denial and condemnation of steps taken by the opposing side. In conclusion, the author attempts to forecast the development of the situation in the post-Soviet space and suggests ways to solve the existing problems.