Almost three years after the first voluntary handover of power in Russian history, this book examines Putin's management of this complex agenda, and considers how Moscow's current approach to international relations resembles and differs from that under Yeltsin. Examines Putin's management of Russia's foreign policy two years after the first voluntary handover of power in Russian history. Considers how Moscow's current approach to international relations resembles and differs from that under Yeltsin. Analyses whether changes in foreign policy have been qualitative, or largely cosmetic. Explores growing talk of a strategic partnership&apos' with the US and the West. Assesses the realism of such hopes and considers whether we are indeed witnessing a strategic shift in the mentality and conduct of such Russian foreign policy.

Almost three years after the first voluntary handover of power inRussian history, this book examines Putin's management of thiscomplex agenda, and considers how Moscow's current approach tointernational relations resembles and differs from that underYeltsin.* * Examines Putin's management of Russia's foreign policy twoyears after the first voluntary handover of power in Russianhistory.* Considers how Moscow's current approach to internationalrelations resembles and differs from that under Yeltsin.* Analyses whether changes in foreign policy have beenqualitative, or largely cosmetic.* Explores growing talk of a 'strategicpartnership&apos' with the US and the West.* Assesses the realism of such hopes and considers whether we areindeed witnessing a strategic shift in the mentality and conduct ofsuch Russian foreign policy.

Acknowledgments viiAbout the author ix1 The Putin phenomenon 12 The inheritance 9Identity and self-perception 11The political context 18The institutional context 21The foreign policy panorama 23Conclusion 293 The policy-making environment 31A cast of thousands? 32The primacy of the individual and the making (and breaking) of policy 42All together now? 46Conclusion 494 The economic agenda 51The 'unaturalness' of economics 51Foreign policy and economic reform 53The integration agenda and globalization 57The profit motive 61Geoeconomics and geopolitics 65Economization and a 'balanced' foreign policy 695 Security and geopolitics 72The geopolitical mindset 72Change and continuity in Russian strategic thinking 74The evolution of threat perceptions 83The future of security and geopolitics - from anachronism to rebirth? 946 Identity, values and civilization 97The burden of the past 98Integration with the West 101Identification with the West and the evolution of theRussian world-view 109Conclusion 1137 11 September and after 115Policy-making - image and reality 117The economic agenda - Westernization with qualifications 121A new conception of security? 123The repackaging of identity 127Strategic opportunism 129Towards a sustainable foreign policy 130Notes 133Index 161