Russia's Place in the World : The Struggle for Survival

Prof. Kreutz presents a concise geopolitical and historical background of Russia and the major predicaments that currently hamper its full international integration and acceptance. He outlines the negative and potentially dangerous aspects of the existing situation. In the author's view the Russian Federation, which is a successor state of the Soviet Union and the previous Russian Empire, should not now be treated as a defeated nation on probation. Rather, alongside China, it should be acknowledged as a great independent power with its own political traditions and interests. Only such an approach can secure international peace and cooperation in Europe and Asia, which are needed by all countries of the region and even the world at large.

The book's approach is mainly historical; nevertheless it focuses on some of the most important and controversial present day international challenges both in Europe and Asia. Its aims to address academics, journalists and other specialists, but also is written for the general public. Its goal is to provide an alternative and unprejudiced view of the 'Russian Problem,' starting with the recognition that the struggle for survival has been a major challenge in Russia's past and present - a fact that is often seemingly overlooked by those analysts who misconstrue defensive moves as potential aggression. An expert on Eastern Europe and political history, Prof. Kreutz is neither a Russia-sympathizer nor a Russia-basher, but he presents a neutral account of Russia's place in the world.