ABSTRACT
Russia is an important case for understanding external perceptions of US hegemony, of the strengths and weaknesses of the USA in its international relations and the consequences of US decline for other actors. Despite membership of the BRICS, suggesting its position as an emerging power, on the basis of its undeniable historical influence in international relations, Russia is treated here as a re-emerging power and one with extensive first-hand knowledge of the USA. Notwithstanding its long-held view that unipolarity makes for instability, Russia’s opposition to US hegemony was, for some time, relatively restrained. Differences were articulated but shared interests and concerns were the greater focus of diplomatic and political attention. By contrast, the more recent period has been characterised less by cooperation than conflict. Russia has been described variously in US quarters as resurgent, aggressive, a destabilising actor, a threat. Whatever the ‘truth’ of those perceptions, Russia has certainly challenged US influence in a range of spheres.
This chapter comprises a brief discussion of hegemony, identifying the political and military arenas as the key sites of the Russian challenge. The analysis that follows identifies two longer-term strategies employed by the Kremlin. Its membership of key regional organisations such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization is one example of Russia’s first strategy, balancing. The second strategy is one of delegitimising the US. This is clearly seen in relation to cyber activity. Finally, less strategy than opportunism, the chapter moves to consider how Russia and the US have collided over the Syrian space and what this portends for the order that will emerge and form the foundation for future international relations.
