This book explores Russia's role in world politics. In recent years, Moscow has played an increasingly active and assertive role in geopolitics.  Examples include Russia's takeover of Crimea and meddling in eastern Ukraine; Russia's military intervention in Syria and support for the Assad government; the Kremlin's alleged interference in the 2016 US presidential race; the pursuit of closer economic and diplomatic ties with China; and Russia's ambitious military reforms and nuclear brinkmanship.Not surprisingly, Russia's role in world politics has become the object of a spirited debate among Western policymakers, think-tank analysts, and academics. Much of this debate focuses on one central question: What are the main drivers, or causes, of Moscow's recent assertiveness? The contributions gathered here address this question by focusing on the interplay of power, ideas, and domestic influences.Previously published in International Politics Volume 56, issue 6, December 2019

1. ​Russia’s role in world politics: power, ideas, and domestic influences - Elias Götz and Neil MacFarlane .- 2. Understanding Russia’s return to the Middle East - Roland Dannreuther .- 3. Reckless ambition: Moscow’s policy toward the United States, 2016/17 - Kimberly Marten .- 4. Explaining Russian foreign policy towards the EU through contrasts - Tuomas Forsberg .- 5. Russia’s relationship with China: the role of domestic and ideational factors - Jeanne L. Wilson .- 6. The quest for status: how the interplay of power, ideas, and regime security shapes Russia’s policy in the post-Soviet space - Maria Raquel Freire .- 7. Strategic imperatives, status aspirations, or domestic interests? Explaining Russia’s nuclear weapons policy - Elias Götz.