Current Geopolitical Context

The current geopolitical context involving Russia is deeply influenced by several pivotal factors, including its military activities, influence in neighboring regions, and its competitive stance against entities like the European Union and NATO.

Russo-Ukrainian War

The Russo-Ukrainian war continues to be a critical element in understanding Russia's geopolitical maneuvers. Since the full-scale invasion in February 2022, Russia has aggressively pursued its strategic objectives in Ukraine. This conflict has significantly altered the geopolitical landscape of Europe, as it is the first major war on the continent since the end of the Cold War. The invasion has prompted the EU to take measures such as opening accession talks with Ukraine and Moldova and granting Georgia candidate status, reflecting the geopolitical competition between the EU and Russia over influence in Eastern Europe.

Influence in the Caucasus

Russia's influence in the Caucasus region remains substantial, exemplified by the geopolitical dynamics surrounding the Zangezur Corridor. The corridor has become a focal point of territorial and political contestation following the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh ceasefire agreement. Russia positions itself as a key power broker in conflicts between Armenia and Azerbaijan, asserting its geopolitical interests.

Eurasianism and the Russian World

The concept of Eurasianism plays a significant role in shaping Russia's geopolitical identity. This idea suggests that Russia occupies a unique position that is neither entirely European nor Asian. The concept of the Russian World further emphasizes Russia's cultural and political influence across former Soviet territories and beyond, leveraging soft power to expand its geopolitical reach.

Strategic Alliances

Russia's relationship with China is another cornerstone of its geopolitical strategy. The bilateral ties between Russia and China encompass energy cooperation, military collaboration, and a shared interest in challenging Western hegemony. This partnership has fostered a geopolitical alignment between the two nations, signifying a shift in global power structures.

Geopolitical Tensions with the West

Increased tensions with Western powers have led Russia to adopt a more fortified domestic and foreign policy. The Western sanctions and diplomatic pressures have not only influenced Russia's economic and political strategies but also its interactions with other global players. Incidents like the 2024 Ankara prisoner exchange highlight the ongoing geopolitical frictions and Russia's responses to these challenges.

Legal and Normative Influence

Russia also seeks to assert its influence through legal and normative means. This is visible in attempts to introduce legislation similar to Russia's "foreign agent" law in neighboring countries like Georgia, aiming to curtail foreign influence on civil society. These moves are part of a broader strategy to shape regional norms and legal frameworks in Russia's favor.

In summary, Russia's current geopolitical context is characterized by its assertive military activities, strategic alliances, and competition with Western powers for influence in Europe and beyond. These dynamics underscore Russia's role as a formidable but contentious player on the global stage.

Russia

Russia, officially known as the Russian Federation, is a transcontinental country spanning Eastern Europe and North Asia. It is the largest country in the world by land area, covering over 17 million square kilometers, and it extends across eleven time zones. Russia shares land borders with fourteen countries, including China, Kazakhstan, and Ukraine.

Geography and Population

Russia is characterized by vast landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and an array of climatic zones. The Siberian Plain, the Ural Mountains, and the Volga River are notable geographical features. With a population exceeding 140 million people, Russia is the most populous country in Europe and the ninth-most populous in the world. The country is highly urbanized, with major cities including Moscow, the capital and largest city, and Saint Petersburg, a key cultural center.

Historical Background

Human settlement on the territory of modern Russia dates back to the Lower Paleolithic era. The East Slavs emerged as a recognized group between the 3rd and 8th centuries AD. The first East Slavic state, known as Kievan Rus', was established in the 9th century. The adoption of Orthodox Christianity from the Byzantine Empire in 988 marked a significant cultural turning point.

The Russian Empire and Soviet Era

The Russian Empire was established in 1721 under Peter the Great and expanded across northern Eurasia. The empire became one of the world's largest empires in history. The Russian Revolution of 1917 led to the fall of the empire and the rise of the Soviet Union, the first constitutionally socialist state. The Cold War era saw the Soviet Union emerge as a superpower in direct opposition to the United States.

Modern Russia

Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, Russia emerged as a leading power in the post-Soviet space with significant influence over its neighbors. It has a mixed economy, relying heavily on natural resources like oil and natural gas, which constitute key components of its economic structure.

Culture and Language

The Russian language is an East Slavic language and is the official language of the country. Russia has a rich cultural heritage, with contributions to literature, music, ballet, and art. Notable cultural figures include writers like Leo Tolstoy and Fyodor Dostoevsky, and composers such as Pyotr Tchaikovsky.