Neo-realism and Pragmatism in Foreign Policy of Russia. The Fall of Communism

Methodological choice: neorealiste doctrine in international relations, theoretical benchmarks Kenneth Waltz's Assumptions: 1. Russia approaches foreign policy from a neorealist perspective. 2. there is an increased influence of the internal structure of state in reconfiguring Russia. s foreign policy options in the international system. 3. in Russian foreign policy there is a logic of change in terms of relations with the EU. Conclusions: in practice states have two options in designing foreign policy: counterbalance and alignment. Russia follows both strategies in relation with different foreign actors. Ofensivity characterizes Russia. s relations with Moldova and Ukraine, where energertic and military ascendancy allows it to act subversively. On the other hand the Russian federation has intensive cooperation with China through the Shanghai Organization while in relation with NATO Russia still remains suspicious. Despite foreign policy guided by neorealistic principles, it seems that there is still a possibility of a different pattern in relations with the EU being adopted. The Agreement on Partnership and Cooperation signed with the EU in 1997, was the beginning of cooperation in the political, economic, commercial and energy sectors. Interactions in the fields of research, education and culture have also intensified.