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Russia’s return as superpower. J van Capelleveen | E van der Kooij Course International Politics Clingendael Institute December 8, 2009. In this presentation:. Definition of a superpower Reasons why Russia currently can not be considered as a superpower Can Russia act as superpower again?
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Russia’s return as superpower J van Capelleveen | E van der Kooij Course International Politics Clingendael Institute December 8, 2009
In this presentation: Definition of a superpower Reasons why Russia currently can not be considered as a superpower Can Russia act as superpower again? Consequences for the Dutch position in international politics Discussion
Characteristics of a superpower • Material power resources • Militairy power (expanded nuclear arsenal) • Economic power • Ideology of universal ambitions • Great influence on the development of international relations, global “spheres of influence” • U.S. • USSR versus modern Russia
Russia today (1) - domestic situation Authoritarian government Individual freedoms, but no political rights Solid growth, increasing economic power (a BRIC country), however entirely dependent on “commodity products” Improved living standards for some, but the biggest gap between rich and poort in Europe Rethoric about the modernization of the economy, but in reality it is militarising before social interests
Russia today (2) - foreign policy • Loss of domination of the satellite states in Central and Eastern Europe, attempts to empower to maintain regional hegemony • Lack of international partners: • Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) - a “dead letter regime” • Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) - no Warsaw Pact • Relations with the EU – pragmatic cooperation and competition • Careful challenge of world dominantion by the U.S., rejection of the unipolar world order • No dominant ideology
Russia today (3) No superpower Big ambitions, lack of economic and militairy resources, focus on foreign policy Destabilization of neighboring states, possible consequences for whole Europe
Recommendations:the position of the Netherlands Atlantic orientation within a strong NATO Cooperation in energy Economic cooperation