Contested regional leadership: Russia and Eurasia

Abstract

This chapter addresses Russian leadership in the former Soviet region. It considers the comparative context of approaches to regional leadership. The Russian version falls on the hegemonic/coercive end of that spectrum. The analysis proceeds to discuss power indicators in the region, showing the degree of Russian dominance. The chapter then examines the evolution of Russia’s perspectives on and practice of leadership, arguing that, after a period of debate, a consensual elite view, supported by public opinion, has emerged. That view constitutes a profound challenge to Western views of regional order in Europe. The chapter concludes with a discussion of how to explain the approach that Russia has taken.