The "Russian Idea" in International Relations: Civilization and National Distinctiveness

The Russian Idea in International Relations explores Russian Civilizational tradition's approaches to international relations, focusing on the values they stress and their global ambitions. It identifies three schools of Russian civilizational thinking about international relations: Slavophiles, Communists, and Eurasianists, each with internal divisions.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 180 pages
Publication date: 09 June 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The Russian Idea in International Relations delves into the diverse approaches within the Russian Civilizational tradition, highlighting Russia's unique way of thinking in the realm of international relations. By contextualizing these ideas within the IR literature and establishing connections with the country's international practices, the book aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of Russian civilizational ideas.

In the field of International Relations (IR), civilizational ideas play a significant role as they convey a state's cultural identity and emphasize religious traditions, social customs, and economic and political values. This book seeks to define Russian civilizational ideas by examining the values they prioritize and their global aspirations.

The author identifies prominent figures who position Russia as an exceptional and globally significant system of values, tracing their arguments across centuries of the country's development. Additionally, the author delves into the mechanisms behind the rise, decline, and replacement of Russian civilizational ideas, shedding light on the dynamic nature of these concepts.

The book identifies three schools of Russian civilizational thinking about international relations: Slavophiles, Communists, and Eurasianists. Each school focuses on Russia's distinctive spiritual, social, and geographic roots, respectively. Within these schools, there are divisions among those who advocate for Russias exceptionalism, potentially leading to regional autarchy or imperial expansion, and those who promote the Russian Idea as a global appeal. Those in favor of the latter perspective emphasize Russia's unique capacity for understanding different cultures and safeguarding the world against extremes of nationalism and hegemony in international relations.

This book holds immense interest for students and scholars engaged in the study of Russian foreign policy, Russia-Western relations, IR theory, diplomatic studies, political science, and European history, particularly the history of ideas. It offers valuable insights into the complex interplay of cultural, historical, and geopolitical factors shaping Russia's foreign policy and its interactions with the broader international community.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032455594