Russia's Reorientation to Asia

Causes and Strategic Implications

Bibliographic Data

ID2848780
AuthorsAlexander Korolev (0000-0003-2794-8187, National University of Singapore, corresponding author)
Year2016
Volume89
Issue1
Pages53-73
Publication date2016-03-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenuePacific Affairs (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0030-851X • E-ISSN: 1715-3379
PublisherPacific Affairs (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.5509/201689153
OpenAlexW2296212544
LanguageEN
Citations received11
References cited10

This research applies a neoclassical realist framework to explore the causes and consequences of Russia's recent "reorientation to Asia." Based on an analysis of publications and fieldwork conducted in Russia, the paper examines both the international systemic and the Russian domestic factors that have contributed to this important change in Russia's foreign policy. At the system level, Russia's turn to Asia can be understood as a part of its longer campaign of balancing against American unipolar domination. At the unit level, economic demands to develop Russia's eastern territories, together with the complex socio-political processes of post-Soviet identity formation, generated a political environment that was conducive to Asia-oriented policies. Russia's reorientation to Asia implies not only comprehensive strategic cooperation with specific Asian powers, such as China, South Korea, or Japan, but also a "reinvention" of Russia as a Eurasian power. Given Russia's cross-continental spread and economic and military capabilities, its reorientation to Asia may have significant implications for the balance of power in the current world system

Balance (ability · China · Development economics · East Asia · Economic power · Economic system · Economics · Economy · Foreign policy · International relations · Political economy · Political science · Politics · Power (physics · International Relations and Foreign Policy · Russia and Soviet political economy

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