Key Vectors of Foreign Policy in Countries of the CIS Region

Abstract

This chapter demonstrates the key directions of foreign policy in the post-Soviet countries within the specified intervals in the years between 1991 and 2015, which allowed for the observation of certain priorities, tendencies, and reversals outlined in foreign policy concepts. Some were modified under current events and conflicts on the domestic, regional, and international stages as well as particular economic and security interests and needs. With the collapse of the USSR, the associated political and geopolitical changes had an effect on all former Soviet Union Republics. Regardless of their common history and political experience, the reconstruction of political and legal institutions and strategies developed in domestic and foreign policy took various forms and directions in particular countries. Some of the political leaders have decisively developed and continued either Eastern (pro-Russian) or Western (Euro-Atlantic) geopolitical vectors, while others have developed a variously interpreted policy of balance between the East and the West (multi-vector pragmatic balanced foreign policy). Undoubtedly, the Russian Federation remained the key reference point of external policy for all new independent republics. On the other hand, the former Soviet Union area was perceived by Russia as its exclusive sphere of influence, which was reflected in Russian aspirations for the reintegration of the post-Soviet space.