Russia: Great Power Image versus Economic Reality

Abstract

Russia’s vision of itself has largely coalesced around that of a unique regional power, with the natural resources, glori-ous history, and will power to be a major player in a future multipolar world. As seen by most Russians, under the guid-ance of President Vladimir Putin, Russia has become an eco-nomically powerful actor with an important and independent voice on the international stage, including rebuilding historic economic alliances with states described as rogues by the United States and forming a strategic partnership with China. Some have seen the challenges to the West combined with Russia’s close relationship with China as a threat to the Unit-ed States; but this threat should not be overblown. As China continues to assert itself and eventually challenges Russia’s declared dominance of Central Asian resources, the two states may well clash. Key words: Russia, BRIC, international political economy