Russia’s political transition and the impact on its relationship with the West

What is it about?

The strained relations between Russia and the West have long been a thorny issue in global politics. During the early years of the post-Soviet era, many political analysts believed that Russia would turn to the Western nations, mainly USA and EU, for support and partnership. But the reality has been quite different. This article discusses how Russia lost its trust in the West and the causes of this rift between the two regions. It also outlines the political shift in Russia after the Cold War that secured its place as a distinct voice in global politics. Putin, realized the importance of unifying such a large and ethnically diverse country as Russian with a sense of a shared history, values and traditions This includes melding old values with modern ideas and integrating them into internal and external policies.. He was also protective of Russia’s sovereignty and realized that ending its economic independence from the West was key, as well as strengthening state institutions. Russia expects other countries to respect its culture and ideologies. Likewise, Russia feels that global growth and alliances must reflect and respect the cultural diversity of different nations. In this regard, the West’s staunch secular views that reject or demean cultural values go against Russia’s opinions. The problem further worsens when the West imposes its views as the new norm for all nations.

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Photo by Elena Mozhvilo on Unsplash

Photo by Elena Mozhvilo on Unsplash

Why is it important?

These differing opinions have weakened the relations between Russia and countries that believe in the Western tenets. But it has helped Russia promote domestic unity and form ties with other nations that also uphold their cultural values. This article shows both sides of the feud between Russia and the West. The increasingly secular West gives greater weight to the rights of the individual and diversity within nations, whereas among nations, it seeks to subordinate other countries and impose its ‘liberal fundamentalism’ and moral values as the only way. On the other-hand Russia believes a New World Order is more likely to be forged between nations, if it embraces and respects all values and traditions (even those at odds with the more immutable views of national identity that it expounds within Russia itself.) However both approaches have their respective pros and cons based on how severely they are endorsed. KEY TAKEAWAY: A rift in the political agendas of Russia and the Western countries has caused them to grow apart. For these countries to see eye to eye, they need to reach a consensus. Recognizing Russian ideologies and viewing Russia as part of Europe may be a part of the solution.