Synopsis

Now thoroughly updated, this widely praised book provides a thoughtful and balanced examination of the development of Russian foreign policy since the end of the Cold War. This edition also places developments of the past two decades into the broader sweep of Russian history. Jeffrey Mankoff argues that Russia's more assertive behavior since Vladimir Putin became president in 2000 has resulted from both a deep-seated consensus among its elite about Russia's identity and interests as well as a favorable convergence of events-including the persistence of high energy prices and the check on U.S. power resulting from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Because these factors are the result of long-term trends, the author argues that there is little reason to expect that the election of Dmitry Medvedev will fundamentally alter Russian foreign policy behavior. Presenting an evenhanded treatment of controversial issues, Mankoff analyzes Russia's interactions with major global actors, including the United States, the European Union, the Commonwealth of Independent States, and China. Despite Moscow's often-harsh rhetoric and the deployment of Russian forces against Georgia in 2008, the author convincingly demonstrates that there is little reason to fear a return to a Cold War-like standoff with the West. Instead, he argues, today's Russia is more interested in restoring what its leaders consider to be its rightful place among the world's major powers rather than in directly challenging the West. Thoroughly researched and knowledgeable, this book will be invaluable for all readers interested in Russia.

Library Journal

Mankoff (international security studies, Yale) makes a solid case that since the mid-1990s Russia has been verbally aggressive in proclaiming its own interests despite Western opposition. Russia's turn from the West originated when Yevgeny Primakov became prime minister under Boris Yeltsin, which the Russian people supported. Mankoff shows how Vladimir Putin and Dmitri Medvedev made a real effort to downplay minor differences with the United States while stressing that the increased economic benefit Russia has derived from its energy resources has allowed it to back up its words with actions in its recent military conflict with Georgia. Mankoff comprehensively analyzes Russia's relations with the United States, Europe, China, and the former Soviet states, concluding that Russia's helpful suggestions for solving international problems should be given more weight. VERDICT The book is not narrative history, which may hinder its readability for the general public, but for students and scholars of international affairs, there is no better choice regarding Russian foreign relations. A thoughtful corrective to Edward Lucas's compelling but slightly alarmist The New Cold War: Putin's Russia and the Threat to the West.—Rob Langenderfer, Brown Mackie Coll. Lib., Ft. Mitchell, KY

Biography

Jeffrey Mankoff is a Visiting Fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). He was a 2010-11 Council on Foreign Relations International Affairs Fellow at the U.S. Department of State.