FROM CONTAINMENT POLICY TO REEMERGENCE: RUSSIA IS BACK ON THE CHESSBOARD

Abstract

This paper aims to analyze the challenges of Russia in its resurgence as a world power after the ascension of Putin government. The central argument is that this resurgence highlighted the historical United States policy of containment of Russia. We suggest, however, that the policy of containment has reverse effects because deepens nationalism, accelerate the strengthening of state capacities and stimulates an autonomous diplomacy of Russia. Therefore, rather than contain, accelerates the return of Russia as a great chess player in the international arena.