The real and hidden costs of Russia’s foreign policy

Russia was set to hold presidential elections on 18 March 2018, and Vladimir Putin had expressed his intention to run for another term. His high approval ratings, the vast administrative resources at his disposal and the non-competitive political environment in Russia made the outcome a foregone conclusion. However, if the election result was predictable, it was still unclear what direction the country would take afterwards.

In this context, it was useful to explore whether Russia’s foreign policy would take a softer and more economic-oriented turn after the elections. Alternatively, if Russia continued down the same path, which factors would be responsible?

European Council on Foreign Relations: Policy Brief, March 2018: The arrival of post-Putin Russia http://www.europeansources.info/record/the-arrival-of-post-putin-russia/

European Council on Foreign Relations: Commentary, 20.03.18: And Now What? Russian Foreign Policy in Putin’s Fourth Term http://www.ecfr.eu/article/commentary_and_now_what_russian_foreign_policy_in_putins_fourth_term

EP: EPRS: What Think Tanks are Thinking, 03.03.18: Resurgent Russia http://www.europeansources.info/record/resurgent-russia-what-think-tanks-are-thinking/

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