Since Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine, its position in the international system has shifted dramatically. This list brings together recent literature with works from before the invasion. The articles address numerous dimensions of Russia’s position in global politics, from how states have responded to its invasion of Ukraine, to its influence in sub-Saharan Africa and its role in internet governance.
Discussion questions:
g) Is the ASEAN response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine collective pragmatism or apathy?
h) How important is the ASEAN voice?
Discussion questions:
c) To what extent does Russia represent a threat to the existing liberal order in Europe?
d) Can the EU counter-balance Russia?
Discussion questions:
c) How significant is Russian (dis)information in the war in Ukraine?
d) What has been the impact of Russia's disinformation campaign?
Discussion questions:
c) Was the Russian invasion of Ukraine solely down to hubris?
d) Does realism explain the war on Ukraine?
Discussion questions:
a) How and why did the Trump administration's stance towards Russia change during his presidential term?
b) What have been the long-term implications of Trump's incoherent stance towards Russia for US foreign policy?
Discussion questions:
a) How does the liberal interventionist community explain Russia's influence in Africa?
b) In your opinion, how persuasive is the 'great power vacuum logic' in explaining Russia's presence in Africa?
Discussion questions:
a) To what extent are former cases of European states outside alliances relevant to the contemporary debate on Ukrainian neutrality?
b) How does historical Soviet thinking help explain Russia's stance today on neutrality and non-bloc policy in Europe?
Discussion questions:
a) How is Russia using local actors to achieve its aims?
b) What are the implications of Russia successfully overwriting local politics?
Discussion questions:
a) How does Russian 'peacemaking' differ from western conceptions?
b) Is Russia successfully challenging the liberal international order?
Discussion questions:
a) How does Russia promote its own norms? To what extent is it a successful ‘norm entrepreneur’?
b) How will internet governance be affected by illiberal inputs?
Discussion questions:
a) How do Russian anti-feminist communities online frame their critique?
b) Does the suppression of feminist voices online reflect a wider counter-West narrative by Russia?
Discussion questions:
a) How has Russia approached debates around the Responsibility to Protect at the United Nations?
b) To what extent are Russia and China partners at the UN Security Council?
Discussion questions:
a) Does Russia have a sphere of influence?
b) What is the role of Eurasianism in Russian foreign policy?
Discussion questions:
a) What were the main factors motivating NATO enlargement policy?
b) What were the limitations of NATO's approach to post-soviet states prior to Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine?
Discussion questions:
a) Did the 1990's represent a lost opportunity for Russian reform?
b) Did the West fail Russia?
Snapshot from history
In January 1924 Russian revolutionary leader Vladimir Lenin died, sparking a struggle for ascendancy within the Communist Party. The same month saw the establishment of the first constitution of the Soviet Union. From abroad, commentators speculated about the potential of the new nation to survive after years of civil war and famine. In March 1924 Michael S. Farbman spoke at Chatham House on the need for a re-set of relations with the Soviet Union.
a) How did British policy-makers respond to the victory of the Bolsheviks in the Russian Civil War?
b) How does Farbman make the case for closer relations with the Soviet Union?
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