Abstract
Russia’s Asian Pivot and the Future of the Russia-China Relationship
Christopher Miller, Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, Tufts UniversityShould the United States expect Russia to play an increasingly large role in Asian diplomacy? After the annexation of Crimea sparked a standoff with the West, Russia declared that it was focusing on Asia, particularly its relations with China but also ties with India, Japan, and South Korea. Russia’s government regularly talks about its own “turn to the East” and its strategy for “greater Eurasia.” This paper finds that Russia will continue to play a major role in certain regions, notably Central Asia, and certain sectors, such as energy, where the country’s connections with Asia are increasing. But Russia’s foreign policy, economy, and domestic politics remain overwhelmingly oriented toward the West, which will substantially limit Russia’s interest and ability to project power or expand its influence in the Asia-Pacific.
Return to the Research Agenda