Russia Resurrected: Its Power and Purpose in a New Global Order

Russia has become a disruptive force in world politics, despite traditional measures of power suggesting it ranks significantly behind the US and China. Kathryn E. Stoner assesses the resurrection of Russia and argues that we should look beyond traditional means of power to assess its strength in global affairs. Russia's wealth, low debt, and fiscal policy make it a major global power, and its autocratic regime faces virtually no organized domestic opposition. However, it also uses its varied power capacities to extend its influence abroad, causing disruption in the US, Syria, and Venezuela.

Format: Hardback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 29 April 2021
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc

Russia's resurgence as a global power is a topic of significant interest and debate. While traditional metrics of power such as GDP, population size, and military might place Russia behind the United States and China, it is important to recognize that Russia has become a supremely disruptive force in world politics. In her assessment, Kathryn E. Stoner argues that we should look beyond traditional means of power to understand Russia's strength in global affairs.

One of the key factors contributing to Russia's turnaround is its domestic politics. Under the leadership of Vladimir Putin, Russia has experienced significant political, economic, and social development. The Russian people are wealthier than the Chinese, debt is low, and fiscal policy is good despite sanctions and the volatile global economy. Putin's autocratic regime faces virtually no organized domestic opposition, but he is mindful of maintaining control at home and uses his varied power capacities to extend Russia's influence abroad.

Russia's foreign policy under Putin has been characterized by a mix of assertiveness and pragmatism. The country has seized the Crimea from Ukraine, supported the Assad regime in Syria, and engaged in military interventions in other regions. These actions have reasserted Russia as a major global power and have had significant consequences for international politics.

One of the most notable consequences of Russia's global influence is the disruption of politics in the United States and Europe. Russia's interference in the 2016 US presidential election and its support for anti-Western political movements have raised concerns about the country's role in undermining democratic institutions. Similarly, Russia's military interventions in Syria have contributed to the country's ongoing civil war and have raised questions about the international community's response to humanitarian crises.

Despite these challenges, Russia's global influence is not without its detractors. Some argue that Russia's actions are undermining international stability and that the country's assertiveness is a threat to global security. Others argue that Russia's global influence is a result of its economic and political power, rather than any unique strategic vision or ideology.

In conclusion, Russia's resurgence as a global power is a complex and multifaceted issue. While traditional metrics of power may place Russia behind the United States and China, it is important to recognize that Russia has become a supremely disruptive force in world politics. Russia's domestic politics, foreign policy, and economic development all contribute to its global influence, and the country's actions have significant consequences for international politics. As the world continues to grapple with the challenges posed by Russia's global influence, it is important to engage in informed and nuanced discussions about the country's role in the global arena.

Weight: 606g
Dimension: 166 x 243 x 34 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780190860714