Lecture Notes: The West's Relations with Russia

Historical Context

• Post-Soviet Era: Marked by Russia's annexation of Crimea and support for separatists in Ukraine, leading to instability.
• Early Relations: Fear and suspicion from the West towards the USSR since 1917.
• Communist Ideology: Initiated by Bolsheviks, aimed at destroying capitalist class.
• Territorial Expansion: USSR's creation of a buffer zone in Eastern Europe.

Cold War Dynamics

• Allied Cooperation: US and USSR cooperated during WWII to defeat Nazi Germany.
• Iron Curtain: Division of Europe into Soviet and Western spheres.
• Military Alliances: Warsaw Pact vs. NATO.
• Nuclear Arms Race: Both sides developed nuclear weapons, leading to Cold War tensions.

Collapse of the Soviet Union

• Economic Stagnation: Led to the USSR's dissolution in 1991.
• Political Changes: Rise of ethnic and economic pressures, fall of the Berlin Wall.
• Transition to Capitalism: Russia's turbulent shift from state-controlled to free-market economy.

Rise of Putin

• Background: Former KGB officer became president in 2000.
• Economic Growth: Boosted by oil and gas sector revenues.
• Political Repression: Crackdown on political rivals and suppression of democratic institutions.
• Control of Media: State-controlled television and oligarch proxies.

Foreign Policy and Regional Influence

• Nationalism and Military Power: Growing nationalism and resurgence of military power.
• Conflicts in Georgia and Ukraine: Military actions in Georgia (2008) and annexation of Crimea (2014).
• Western Influence: Resistance to NATO and EU expansion.

International Conflicts and Sanctions

• MH17 Incident: Malaysian Airlines jet shot down over Ukraine, leading to international condemnation.
• Economic Sanctions: Imposed by US and EU, targeting Russian banks and energy companies.
• Dependency on Energy Exports: Russia's economy heavily reliant on oil and gas.

Global Relations

• Middle East Involvement: Russia's role in Syria, support for Assad, and alliance with Iran.
• China Partnership: Energy agreements with China as a strategic pivot.
• US-Russia Cooperation: Limited by conflicting interests and sanctions, but shared goals in nuclear disarmament.

Future Prospects

• Challenges: Economic decline, domestic unrest, and limited international alliances.
• Strategic Goals: Reassert Russian influence in former Soviet regions.
• Western Responses: Calls for energy independence and cautious diplomatic approaches.

Conclusion

• Long-Term Implications: The conflict in Ukraine will continue to affect Russia-West relations.
• US Policy: Future administrations expected to maintain a hardline stance against Russia.
• Global Order: Russia's attempt to redefine its role as a separate entity in a multipolar world.