Russia Q&A

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Introduction

Russia is a democratic republic with 83 federal units. The country is bordered by 14 countries including Norway, Finland, Estonia, and Poland. It is one of the largest countries in the world with a land area of 17,000,000 squire kilometers and a population of 143 million people. The country is well endowed with natural resources like minerals, forest cover and water resources. Russian mighty and power was acquired during its membership in the Soviet Union were it emerged as a super power. The country has permanent membership in the United Nations Security Council; it is also a member of the Group of 20(G20), Group of 8(G8) and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation. This paper will critically examine the Russian national purpose and ideology, national power and international relationships as well as foreign policy. The paper will also describe the Russian commitments and its national security relationships with the United States.

Question one. National purpose of Russia

Russia is keen to increase her economic growth, protect the security of her people and safeguard vital markets for her products. The country has managed to use technology in developing military influence to protect her people and enhance power and influence in the international market. However, the Russian economy is still struggling and the focus is to enhance economic expansion. The national purpose is therefore shaped by economic and security interests. To pursue its national interest, Russia has teamed up with other rich nations in influencing global politics and international policy-making processes. Besides, the country has membership in economic blocks to find convenient market for its products (Bowen, 1998).

Question Two.Russian ideology...

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...es have an arms control treaty called the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START) that they intend to renew in 2010. It is therefore evident that Russian national security affairs can easily trigger responses from the United States. United States and Russia have a binding bilateral military agreement. In this agreement, the two countries will cooperate in military exchanges which are a step forward in ensuring global peace.

Conclusions

Based on the above analysis of Russia it is evident that domestic factors play significant roles in shaping countries’ foreign policy. Economic and security strategies are the key domestic factors that influence foreign policies. Russian ideology coupled with her internal and external situation has made it necessary for the country to implement appropriate foreign policy to safeguard her interests in the international scene.

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