Эссе на тему: Realism as the Basis of Russia’s Foreign Policy

There are different opinions on what approach Russia takes in its foreign policy. There are those who say that it is neoliberalism, some  are convinced that it is neo-Marxism. However, I disagree both of these opinions and strongly believe that realism is a basis of Russia’s Foreign Policy. The aim of this essay is to prove that the basis of Russia's foreign policy is realism, I will do this by arguing for realism and against neo-Marxism and neoliberalism approach in relation to Russia’s Foreign Policy.

Firstly, the realist approach defines the state as the most important (if not the only) subject of international relations. At the same time, it is sovereign states that have the legitimate rights to conclude international treaties, declare wars, and so on. This applies to the foreign policy of the Russian Federation. The administration of the Russian Federation is often skeptical of all international instances and processes that claim to limit national sovereignty or organize supranational institutions. President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly spoken negatively about international organizations and institutions of the international system of ensuring and promoting human rights, noting their bias, hypocrisy and unfair selectivity. For example, speaking at a meeting with members of the Council of Legislators on 27 April 2022, the head of state said that many international organizations and transnational institutions in Europe were created not to harmonize relations in Europe, but to influence the former Soviet space. Therefore, skepticism towards non-state actors of international relations in the foreign policy of the Russian Federation is evident, which is characteristic of realism.

Secondly, for Russian foreign policy, one of the most important aspects is power, including military power. The American political scientist and founder of the school of political realism, Hans Morgenthau, argued that one of the main categories of the realist paradigm is "power", which is used by the state in pursuit of its motives. power, i.e. the power that a state uses in pursuit of its motives. It can be said that the power of the RF is one of the strongest means of achieving the political goals of the state. According to Sergei Ivanov, Special Representative of the President of the Russian Federation for Environmental Protection, Ecology and Transport, «taking into account the trends in global development, the Russian military and political leadership is forced to adjust its vision of the role and place of military policy and also military instruments». Nowadays military potential of Russian Federation, primarily modern and effective armed forces, is becoming one of the conditions for successful and effective integration into the modern system of international relations.

Thirdly, Hans Morgenthau noted that one of the basic principles of political realism is the principle of national interest. This aspect is also reflected in “Russian foreign policy”:  «The national interests of the Russian Federation in the international sphere require an active foreign policy course aimed at strengthening the authority and position of Russia as a “great power”, without whose participation it is impossible to solve global and regional problems and strengthen international security». In the rhetoric of the Russian administration, the category of national interests is very often encountered. For example, at a meeting with members of the Human Rights Council, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that the consistent struggle for national interests is the main goal of Russian policy. «We will do it by various ways and means, firstly, of course, we will focus on peaceful means, but if there is nothing else, we will defend ourselves with all means at our disposal...». Thus, achieving national interests is one of the most important factors for Russia, in pursuit of which the Russian government can use even military force.

Fourthly, Political realism includes the absence of universal moral principles in the context of international relations. Russia, as noted earlier, focuses exclusively on its national interests. At the same time, the interests of other states, international organizations and other subjects of international relations fade into the background. At the same time, the Russian Federation has its own “moral principles” that correspond to national interests. For example, foreign countries were concerned about the situation with the migration of Russian citizens and abroad due to the start of a Special military operation.