From the Cold War to Putin’s Pivot

Abstract

Abstract This chapter focuses on political developments in Russia’s relations with the Asia Pacific following the collapse of the Soviet state. Boris Yeltsin’s new government was preoccupied with domestic reforms and resolving constitutional and governance questions; foreign policy was oriented primarily toward the United States and Europe but nurtured an emerging partnership with China. Under Vladimir Putin, Russia’s foreign policy evolved into confrontation with the West, while domestic politics became more centralized and authoritarian. Relations with China continued to improve, and a pivot toward Asia was announced in 2012 with ambitious development plans for the Far East and reinvigorated ties with Asian Pacific nations. The strategic partnership with China has been central to Russia’s policy, though Moscow is hedging against becoming a junior partner to Beijing by engaging with India, Vietnam, and other countries in East and South Asia. As in the past, foreign policy is formulated by an autocratic executive advised by a narrow circle of loyal supporters; administration is left to a centralized and often ineffective bureaucracy unresponsive to local interests.