Russian Foreign Policy: Interests, Vectors, and Sectors

by Nikolas K. Gvosdev, Christopher Marsh

In a truly contemporary analysis of Moscow′s relations with its neighbors and other strategic international actors, Nikolas K. Gvosdev and Christopher Marsh use a comprehensive vectors approach, dividing the world into eight geographic zones. Each vector chapter looks at the dynamics of key bilateral relationships while highlighting major topical issues―oil and energy, defense policy, economic policy, the role of international institutions, and the impact of major interest groups or influencers―demonstrating that Russia formulates multiple, sometimes contrasting, foreign policies. Providing rich historical context as well as exposure to the scholarly literature, Russian Foreign Interests, Vectors, and Sectors offers an incisive look at how and why Russia partners with some states while it counter-balances others.

Genres: Russia, International Relations

456 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2012

Reviews

[Nathan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the best book I have read on Russian foreign policy. Gvosdev and Marsh argue that Russian foreign policy is not guided by one main vector or grand strategy, as was the perception of US policymakers towards the USSR. Instead, different sectors within Russian society, be it political, military, industrial, business, or others, have their own vectors that in turn influence Russia's foreign policy (each being different "towers" in foreign policy that each have their own interests, preventing one single monolithic vector).

The reason it is not 5 stars is that it is dated, and I began to skim towards the end of the book because a lot of the information is now different or irrelevant. It was published in 2o12, meaning that it does not cover the monumental events after 2014. Additionally, the main argument has become less relevant as Putin has both centralized and personalized power over the Russian government.

Nevertheless, this is a valuable book for three reasons. First, the approach that analyzes different sectors, the vectors they produce, and Russia's main interests is extremely interesting and illuminating as to how Russian foreign policy is created. The authors analyze these vectors by going through every region of the world, showing Russia's history with them, especially post-1991 relations. Second, it provides a valuable look at Russia's foreign policy before 2014, when the Ukraine conflict took center stage when discussing Russia. Finally, this book can provide important insight into a post-Putin Russia, when different sectors and vectors will once again vie for influence in the power vacuum that will result.

The introduction and first two chapters of this book are worth reading for anyone interested as they set out a history of Russian foreign policy and go through the main vectors and sectors.

I hope that this book will have an updated version that takes into account post-2014 events and analyzes the monumental changes in Putin's government.