Жолбов. Английский билеты. 4-5 курс / 4 курс Russian foreign policy imperatives

27. Russian foreign policy imperatives.

It goes without saying that nowadays Russia has a new period of development in different spheres: economic, political, social and etc. After the disintegration of the USSR there was a prolonged period of economic stagnation, political crisis, social unrest and instability in the country. But finally, after 19 years had elapsed, the situation in the country has improved, whether or no. And nowadays Russia became, perhaps not leading, but one of the important countries in the world. Of course the changes touched all the spheres of human life, and the political sphere is not an exception. Recently, the Russian president Medvedev has declared five main principals of Russian foreign policy, which, according to him, will guide it.

The first one is that Russia recognises the primacy of the basic principles of international law, which define relations between civilised nations. It is in the framework of these principles, of this concept of international law, that Russia will develop the relations with other states.

The second principal is that Russia seeks to the multi-polar world and disputed domination of one power. According to Medvedev, Russia cannot accept a world order in which all decisions are taken by one country, even such a serious and authoritative country as the United States of America. This kind of world is unstable and fraught with conflict.

The next point is Russian desire to maintain peace, not to confront with any country or isolate itself. Russian imperative is to develop, as far as possible, friendly relations both with Europe and with the United State of America, as well as with other countries of the world.

The forth statement is Russia’s unquestionable priority to protect the life and dignity of its citizens, wherever they are. In connection with it, Russia will also protect the interest of its business community abroad. And, according to our president, if someone makes aggressive forays, he will get a response.

And the last principal is connected with Russian spheres of influence. Russia, just like other countries in the world, has regions where it has its privileged interests. there are countries with which this country have traditionally had friendly cordial relations, historically special relations. And Russian leader says that we will work very attentively in these regions and develop these friendly relations with these states, with our close neighbours.

In conclusion, I’d like to say that all above-mentioned principals were regarded by, for example, British experts as a return to the previous times, and call them “nationalistic”. Some of them even call them a “Neo-Soviet”, underling Russian desire to protect its interests in neighbouring regions.