Russia's political instability and cyclical power transitions

Russia

Using information from throughout the course, how would you assess Russia as a part of Europe? Culturally, politically, economically?

Russia's geographic proximity to both Asia and Europe has resulted in a distinctive coloration and mixed identities. There is an apparent tendency on the part of many Russians to align themselves with Europe. Reviewing Chepurina's (2011) assertion, this identification appears to be influenced by a preferred association -- much like a person might elevate their status by claiming to live near a more well to do neighborhood. A high flyover review of the articles and readings provides a unique perspective that deeper analysis seems to cloud -- Russia is pegged to Europe as the yuan is pegged to the dollar. As one moves, so moves the other. This is a culturally based analogy, however, not necessarily a political or economic comparison.

The European Union (EU), with its goal of creating "Europe whole and free," set many more countries than Russia on end. When the advantages of being a member of the European Union were front and center, a large swath of nations became very interested in the idea of joining the EU -- and they set about building the changes necessary to be admitted to the Union. Russia's neighbors threw their hats in the ring, which likely resulted in an uptick in EU interest. It is important not to lose sight of the profound changes that are required of some countries to join the EU: demands on the Ukraine, for instance, "risk breaking the very system that put Mr. Yanukovych in power" [Note: Yanukovych was impeached 22 February 2014). (Charlemagne). Croatia has become the 28th member of the EU. The border of the EU is still in flux, as the Union remains open to any European country that meets the required democratic standards. Therein, lies the rub. Russian political and economic interests have been influenced by the migration of the countries to the EU, and also influenced by countries reluctant to join the EU. The holdouts constitute three countries form the Caucasus (Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia) and the Eastern Partnership (Blarus, Moldova, and the Ukraine). Russia has gone full circle with respect to alignment: once having denounced NATO, the EU was accepted as Russia's "near abroad," but the EU is now considered to be hostile to Russia. The word is out that Vladimir Putin has conceptualized a Eurasian Union. As long as he plays hardball, Putin relegates Russia to the margins -- neither European nor Asian.

2.Based on our discussions of contemporary Europe, is Russia likely to grow more or less blended with Europe? Why or why not?

Russia is again ratcheting up in its aggression-cooperation cycle, sore about Crimea and with the Ukraine in its sights. With Russian forces perched on the border with the Ukraine, the country is playing a game of Russian roulette. Should Russia invade the Ukraine, it will experience further international isolation.