The Ukrainian conflict in Russian foreign policy: Rethinking the interconnections between domestic and foreign policy strategies

Abstract

This article analyses Russia’s role in the Ukrainian crisis in the context of Moscow’s foreign policy historical development, underlining patterns of continuity and change in its policies towards the CIS. It argues that Russian foreign policy towards Ukraine results from a combination of two trends, reinforcing a Russian interventionist agenda: perceived threats to Russia’s interests in the near abroad and a radicalised and conservative national spectrum shaping foreign policy decisions. The combination of domestic and external factors driving Russia’s agenda in the near abroad raises important challenges for Russian society and its leaders as it does for its neighbours and partners.