The Balkans in Russia’s foreign policy amid the Russo-Ukrainian War: a new-old front in Moscow’s great power politics
uma nova-velha frente na política de grande potência de Moscou
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.22456/2178-8839.133730Keywords:
Russia, Balkans, WestAbstract
This article analyzes Russia’s Balkans policy amid Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, taking into account the impacts of this context on Russia’s positions in the region. It is argued that Russia has sought to preserve its regional influence while not creating new channels of influence in the Balkans. The article also analyses the Balkans’ role in contemporary Russian foreign policy and in Moscow’s relations with the Western great powers, in addition to analyzing the political, economic and security factors behind Russia's involvement in the Balkans. Taking into account more recent developments, as well as the historical perspective of the Post-Cold War era, the article argues that, despite its secondary role in Russian foreign policy, the Balkans continue to be seen by Russia as an area of economic opportunities and of a contest for influence with the Western powers. The article applies a qualitative methodology based on primary sources and a bibliographical review.
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