The Russian Federation is one of the great powers with the largest territory, rich natural resources, and nuclear armed forces. Undoubtedly, Russia is one of the most important players in world politics including the most heated regions such as Eastern Europe, Central Asia, the Balkans and the Caucasus. It is also a member of the most important regional and international organizations. As one of the five permanent member states, it has veto power in the Security Council of the United Nations. Therefore, any analysis of world politics cannot be complete without making a reference to Russia.
Many valuable publications exist on modern Russia and its foreign policy, but most prefer to narrate it only from a historical perspective or to discuss the current situation in Russia. Unlike other books however, this book, provides fresh insight by its contributors from different universities and experts on international relations, who critically analyse modern Russian foreign policy by considering all socio-politic, ideational, material, and institutional reasons behind its continuity and change, while bearing in mind its historical bonds and unique contexts. In addition, this book includes a special chapter on Russia’s relations with Türkiye in order to evaluate the background, structure, and bases of developments taking place recently under the leaders of both countries.
Therefore, this book, Russian Foreign Policy, stands out as a concise, well-structured, engaging, insightful, as well as accessible in terms of its writing style. It is our pleasure to publish this book at our university. I believe that this book will emerge as a reference work for both academics and students all over the world who have an interest in Russian foreign policy – in the past and present.