Identity Politics and Foreign Policy: The Case of the 2012 Russian Foreign Policy Shift

After Putin’s re-election in 2012, a shift in foreign policy could be observed, which was characterised by renewed hostility towards the West and a rapprochement of global partners of the Russian Federation. This thesis aims to explore the role of identity politics in this foreign policy shift by assuming that such notions are influenced by the ‘identity dilemma’ left after the fall of the Soviet Union. Through a constructivist lens, this paper finds material as well as identity interests to be mutually constructive and employs this framework throughout. Three empirical chapters explore the relationship of Russia with one of its important regional partners and examine the decisions and motivations in the regions after the foreign policy shift. Through the analysis of Russian bilateral relations with the Middle East, Europe and China the thesis identifies three main trends influenced by identity politics namely, (1) the importance of Central Asia, (2) the use of energy as a method of...Show moreAfter Putin’s re-election in 2012, a shift in foreign policy could be observed, which was characterised by renewed hostility towards the West and a rapprochement of global partners of the Russian Federation. This thesis aims to explore the role of identity politics in this foreign policy shift by assuming that such notions are influenced by the ‘identity dilemma’ left after the fall of the Soviet Union. Through a constructivist lens, this paper finds material as well as identity interests to be mutually constructive and employs this framework throughout. Three empirical chapters explore the relationship of Russia with one of its important regional partners and examine the decisions and motivations in the regions after the foreign policy shift. Through the analysis of Russian bilateral relations with the Middle East, Europe and China the thesis identifies three main trends influenced by identity politics namely, (1) the importance of Central Asia, (2) the use of energy as a method of achieving Great Power status and (3) the undying competition of Russia with its Western counterparts. From the research, the thesis finds that identity politics cannot be ignored, and has a position of importance Russian decision-making processes during and after the 2012 foreign policy shift.Show less

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Identity Politics and Foreign Policy: The Case of the 2012 Russian Foreign Policy Shift