Russia’s New Foreign Policy Cycle

After the reelection of Vladimir Putin for another term as president of the Russian Federation in March of this year, Russia is entering a new cycle of foreign and domestic policy. The leaders in this new political cycle, including President Vladimir Putin, now in his fourth term, will have to make crucial strategic decisions to maintain their country's security and encourage its economy to flourish.

The Russian International Affairs Council presents foreign viewpoints on current events and possible strategies for the new political cycle. We asked some of our foreign partners  to respond to questions about a variety foreign policy issues in the upcoming cycle.

After the reelection of Vladimir Putin for another term as president of the Russian Federation in March of this year, Russia is entering a new cycle of foreign and domestic policy. Russia's foreign policy at the moment is particularly fraught; the conflict in Syria, the continued uncertain status of the Donbass region of Ukraine, accusations of cyberwarfare and interference in US elections, and the Skripal poisoning incident in the UK have driven wedges between Russia and many other countries. Stronger sanctions are being imposed on Russia in response to some of these issues, and there is no intention of lifting the older ones. Russia has also had undeniable foreign policy victories recently, for example, increased cooperation with China. But there are a great many difficult issues to be dealt with, particularly with regards to Russia's relationship with the West. The leaders in this new political cycle, including President Vladimir Putin, now in his fourth term, will have to make crucial strategic decisions to maintain their country's security and encourage its economy to flourish.

The Russian International Affairs Council now presents foreign viewpoints on current events and possible strategies for the new political cycle. We asked some of our foreign partners from different parts of the world to respond to questions about a variety foreign policy issues in the upcoming cycle.

Project page: russiancouncil.ru/en/2018-2024