Understandings of Russian Foreign Policy

“This volume represents an important contribution to theoretical discussion in the field of international relations as well as to the study of contemporary Russian foreign policy. Under the capable editorship of Ted Hopf, an international group of younger scholars pushes forward the bounds of theoretical innovation, with approaches ranging from Lacanian psychoanalysis to novel spatial-cultural frameworks of sweeping historical research. More conventional approaches, such as constructivism and theories of the 'democratic peace,' receive thoughtful treatments and application to important empirical cases, including the Chechen war and Russian behavior in the 'near abroad.' Scholars interested in cutting-edge international-relations theory will welcome this volume. It will be particularly valuable as a text in a theoretically oriented graduate seminar on the international relations of the post-Soviet region.” —Matthew Evangelista, Cornell University

“Prepared by scholars from Europe, Asia, and North America, this volume covers a number of significant issues of Russian foreign policy, using various approaches to world affairs. It constitutes a major contribution to our understanding of Russian foreign policy.” —Yury Polsky, Russian Review