Report

Russian Views of the International Order

Andrew Radin and Clinton Bruce Reach

Rand Corporation, 2017

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The clash between Russian and Western views on sovereignty and democracy came to a head with two events: Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014, and its subsequent support for separatist rebels in Ukraine. In Russia’s view, Ukraine’s movement toward European Union membership imperiled Russian security and regional influence. Russian officials protest NATO’s eastward enlargement and view the alliance as a threat to their nation’s security. Russia participates in certain Western institutions – such as the United Nations, International Monetary Fund and World Trade Organization – but its opposition to the international order has increased since the 1990s. Russia undermines elements of the order as it develops new institutions and agreements as alternatives to Western options. Russian officials and analysts increasingly express the view that the US-led international order endangers Russian interests and security. RAND Corporation researchers Andrew Radin and Clint Reach explore why Russia regards the international order as inimical to its interests. They also outline alternatives for US policy makers, who must weigh the importance of long-held liberal values against the benefits of cooperation with Russia. getAbstract recommends this lucid report.

Summary

Russia’s Perception of the Existing International Order

The international order consists of rules, norms and institutions – such as trade and financial institutions. After the Second World War, an international order emerged that supports liberal values such as democracy, human rights, the rule of law and free trade. Russia recognizes the United States’ leadership in the existing international order, but it views American hegemony as a threat to its security and foreign policy interests.

In Russia’s view, liberal values are mere pretexts for the expansion of American influence through economic sanctions, possible military action, hefty propaganda battles and unconstitutional change of governments. Russian analysts see US attitudes toward liberal ideals as insincere and slanted and as supporting a system that embraces economic colonialism. To Russia, US policies and actions contravene the international order’s rules and norms and pose a threat to stability. Russia believes the US has grown weaker and can’t maintain its dominance.

Though Russia in general sees the existing international order as a threat to its security and interests, it cooperates in areas where...

About the Authors

Andrew Radin, lead author, is a political scientist at the RAND Corporation. His work at RAND focuses on European security, Russian political warfare, the threat of hybrid warfare in the Baltics, and the political, economic and military vulnerabilities of Europe. Clint Reach is a researcher for the RAND Corporation.

Russian Views of the International Order

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Russia’s Perception of the Existing International Order

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