Russian Arms Deals: Implications for Regional Politics and Economy

Abstract

This article analyses the role of Russia’s arms deals in international politics and its insinuations for the domestic economy. Arms trading has been well recognized as a tool for executing a nation’s foreign strategy. Therefore, exploring the drivers behind arms exports uncovers a nation’s priorities. Even though the relationship between the US and Russia relationship has worsened since Putin took power, Moscow has steadily increased its weapons sales in a few other geographic territories. This article examines Russian military exports to China and India to understand Russia’s thought process behind its export policy. The article further contends that international politics has presented itself as a key factor in devising the policies and procedures associated with Russia’s arms deals. Although Russian military exports have benefited the domestic economy in various ways, particularly in the early years of Putin’s administration, to create a polycentric world and strengthen Russia’s status as a regional power, Russia also utilized arms exports to preserve leverage and influence on its allies.