ABSTRACT

Russia's foreign policy experience in the first post-Soviet decade was marked by disappointments as well as surprising turns. Expectations that Russia would join the Western powers as an equal partner were frustrated, while relations with the People's Republic of China warmed considerably. Today, Russia's relationship with China is an important component of its overall foreign policy orientation, as the two states - one greatly diminished, the other clearly on the rise - have found themselves sharing an interest in curbing the power of the United States. In analyzing Russia's evolving foreign policy vis-a-vis China, the author takes into account the legacy of Soviet-era precedents; the simultaneous processes of economic policy change and integration into global economic structures; and military relations. By shedding light on the role of political realism, decision makers, and exogenous factors in Russian foreign policy, this analysis of an important bilateral relationship contributes to the larger project of understanding international relations and the dynamics of domestic and foreign policy change.

chapter 1|12 pages

Introduction

chapter 2|26 pages

Russian-Chinese Relations

A Chronological Overview

chapter 3|20 pages

Russia and China as Neighbors

Border Issues and Regional Relations in Asia

chapter 4|32 pages

The Weakest Link

Economic Relations Between Russia and China

chapter 6|29 pages

The China Factor in the Border Regions

The Russian Far East and Transbaikal Area

chapter 7|40 pages

Political Relations

Defining the Strategic Partnership

chapter 8|19 pages

Conclusion

The Emergent Partnership