المستخلص: |
In the aftermath of the collapse of the USSR, the Russian Federation saw decline in its regional and international role. It later exercised foreign policy – especially under Putin’s rule – to restore its status by making new blocs similar to the Commonwealth of Independent States and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. It also maintained cooperation with India and annexed Crimea to stay close to the Mediterranean. The present study sheds light on the Russian Federation’s motives in adopting the new Eurasia doctrine, employing history in understanding such an ideology since the early 20th century and the development of the policy during the period of the study. In addition, the geopolitical approach is utilized in realizing the conflict in the region, especially the Arab World. It is found that the choice of this ideology is aimed at achieving geopolitical objectives which serve the Russian interests under the conflict with the US and, somehow, the EU. Furthermore, it can accomplish Russia’s economic interests and secure advantages for the strategic axis (Russia, China and India). Moscow also stresses Eurasia from a geopolitical perspective, particularly benefiting from Beijing’s launch of the economic belt and Marine Silkr Route. It aspires to revive its role in the world order through different means. Thus, it makes use of the Eurasian approach to mobilize some countries in the economic field, hoping that others will join the Eurasian economic union. It is concluded that the geopolitical and economic dimensions serve the new Eurasia, as the rise of the Eurasian economic union and the free trade between its members enhance Russia’s position. It is recommended that the Arab and Muslim countries benefit from this experience in terms of economic cooperation, in general, and relations with the Muslim states in Central Asia which need economic investment. That would influence the Russian policy in light of the tension between Washington, on the one hand, and Moscow and Beijing, on the other.
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