This thesis analyzes how Vladimir Putin uses ethos and pathos to justify his foreign policy in Syria, Donbas and Crimea. To answer this question, 27 of his original Russian speeches on these topics...Show moreThis thesis analyzes how Vladimir Putin uses ethos and pathos to justify his foreign policy in Syria, Donbas and Crimea. To answer this question, 27 of his original Russian speeches on these topics have been subjected to a Critical Discourse Analysis, engaging with the insights of ancient and contemporary rhetoric scholars. The results show that Putin consistently weaves three narratives that run like a thread through his speeches. First, Putin presents himself as a kind, intelligent, and respectful leader who has an adequate amount of experience and supports the people. Second, Putin persistently shows that Russia only has good intentions for the world. Last, Russia finally stands up for its interests after years of suppression and humiliation by the hypocrite West. These results not just illustrate the rhetorical techniques that underlay Putin’s account of Russia’s foreign policy. They also provide an insight into the worldview of the vast majority of Russians because of a media monopoly of the Kremlin. As such, this thesis contributes to a growing corpus of research that emphasizes how Putin’s words are of importance.Show less
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...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
The question addressed in this thesis is: What can explain the significant changes in Russian Foreign Policy in Putin’s third term as president compared to his first and second term? The theory...Show moreThe question addressed in this thesis is: What can explain the significant changes in Russian Foreign Policy in Putin’s third term as president compared to his first and second term? The theory that functions as the theoretical framework is Charles F. Hermann’s theory of “change agents”, which this thesis addresses in chapter 1. In chapter 2, a historical overview will be provided of Putin’s presidential terms with regard to Foreign Policy. This chapter will chronologically divide Putin’s presidential terms in phases that are in alignment with the most substantial Foreign Policy changes that took place in the Russian Federation. This will provide the platform upon which Hermann’s theory will be applied and analysed. Furthermore, in Chapter 3, this thesis will analyse the Foreign Policy change that was most significant in every phase and determine which change agents most influenced which Foreign Policy change.Show less
Few academics have taken a critical perspective on the Ukraine-Russia crisis. Therefore, this thesis examines the crisis between Ukraine and Russia from a post-colonial perspective. The case of...Show moreFew academics have taken a critical perspective on the Ukraine-Russia crisis. Therefore, this thesis examines the crisis between Ukraine and Russia from a post-colonial perspective. The case of Ukraine shows both the strengths and weaknesses of the post-colonial approach. While it is clear that a neo-colonial attitude does exist in Russia, this does not mean it directly influences individual foreign policy decisions. Post-colonialism cannot explain why Ukraine specifically is so important to Russia. Although Russia believes it has a civilising mission in the post-Soviet space in general, post-colonialism cannot explain Moscow’s specific policy response.Show less
