Russia in Global Affairs

A concert of powers in which European nations performed throughout the 19th century provided for peace and tranquility on the continent for almost a hundred years. Today, in an era of overall domination by one country and collapse of the former international architecture, it is time to recall the principles of that Concert. But now the Concert will have to be played according to global scores of the new millennium.

Putin’s strategy is built on the principles of the free market, a strong state and its security organizations; on an open, independent and active foreign policy; and on respect for traditions, continuity and patriotism. According to any of the classifications accepted in the world, such a set of principles is rather characteristic of right-wing politicians and conservatives.

In ten years, Russia will not become a genuinely Western country. But the temptation to “follow our own way,” which some members of Russia’s political elite have, will hardly be irresistible. Self-isolation of a country claiming to be unique in the contemporary globalized world is possible only if it falls very far behind the system and, ultimately, out of history.

The new book by Yevgeny Primakov lays out his views on the major contemporary problems, such as terrorism and Islamic extremism, the Israeli-Arab conflict, and the role of the United States in today’s world. He also discusses scenarios for a future world order and Russia’s place in it.

A concert of powers in which European nations performed throughout the 19th century provided for peace and tranquility on the Continent for almost a hundred years. Today, in an era of overall domination by one country and collapse of the former international architecture, it is time to recall the principles of that Concert. But now the Concert will have to be played according to global scores of the new millennium.