With the collapse of the Soviet Union, Russia’s global political and economic influence has fallen precipitously. Vladimir Putin’s arrival to power in 2000 has noticeably improved Russia’s economic situation while changes in domestic and foreign policies were causes of much controversy and concern in both the former Soviet space and beyond. Russia continues to try to re-assert its former influence and regain lost loyalties in the former Soviet region. Unlike his predecessor, President Putin duly accepted an equal partnership with regional leaders, largely based on mutually beneficial cooperation. Continue reading
