ABSTRACT
The political concept of a German Reich is no longer ethically acceptable, practically functionable or politically popular in contemporary Germany. The current and likely future relations between Russia and the West are very different from the year or two before December 1991 and the heady days following soon after the dissolution of the Soviet Union. Concepts of 'mutual security' and 'strategic partnership' and fears of isolation from Western political and economic contact, have been relegated below Russian national interests. The distinguishing feature of Russian foreign and security policy since 1993 has been the determination to establish the Russian Federation as a Great Power. While Great Power aspirations are often expressed through military activity, support for status is as much a civilian enthusiasm as one of the military. In the grand strategic terms, Russia's centre of gravity lies towards the West.
