Between fear and the necessity of cooperation: Russian policy on Muslim countries

In relation to Muslim countries, Russia fears two things above all. Firstly, the destabilization of the global order through the terrorism of Islamic fundamentalists. Conflicts between Muslims and believers of other religions could, in an extreme case, lead to a religious conflict in Russia. Secondly, it is concerned with the shift of Muslim countries towards cooperation with the USA, as in case of Saudi Arabia or Turkey, which would be a serious obstacle to the multi-polar order envisioned by Russia.