Carnegie Moscow Center
Every country in Eurasia has to dance with the United States, politically, economically, militarily, and culturally. A recovery of the U.S. economy would mean that friendly relations with it will pay off and that an unnecessary confrontation will not.
Despite the diplomatic victories of Vladimir Putin, the economic stagnation in Russia is a far deeper and long-term factor.
The 20th anniversary of Russia’s Constitution and the Russian president’s State of the Nation Address delivered before the Federal Assembly are an opportune moment to sum up the state of Russia in 2013 and look ahead, in terms of its political system, economic, foreign, and security policies.
Putin’s Eurasian Union would be a set of political and economic structures, similar to the EU, that Russia would dominate. But this vision comes with a price; Ukraine’s economy is in trouble, just as Russia is suffering from low economic growth.
The situation in Asia-Pacific will not allow an easy establishment of a solid international security arrangement.
Title VIII, also known as the Program for Research and Training on Eastern Europe and Eurasia did not receive funding for the 2013 fiscal year. It has been a proven success in the past. If given the proper funding, Title VIII may continue to be so in the future.
During the G20 summit, the world leaders need to tackle serious economic challenges. At the same time, the abrupt halt to a scheduled U.S.-Russia summit and a potential intervention in Syria have pushed security issues to the top of the summit’s agenda.
Shifts in Russia’s foreign policy following Putin’s return to power result from significant changes in the country’s domestic situation and a shifting global environment.
The latest developments connected to the financial crisis in the EU have only further underlined the need for a leader within the European community. Many believe that Germany is the one who should take up this mantle. To do so, however, Germans have to come to terms with their difficult history.
In Moscow’s view, there is little chance that the European Union will emerge from the crisis as a strategic player. Yet Europe continues to have huge influence on Russia.