ABSTRACT
The interrelationship of Russia and Europe goes far beyond the narrow focus of diplomatic ties and foreign policy. It concerns the question of the fundamental orientation of Russian society itself, encompassing a specific culture and civilization. Geographically, Europe and Russia are overlapping entities. Half of Europe is Russia; half of Russia is in Europe. It is true that geography contributes to this political ambivalence. However, politics, in contrast to geography, does not necessarily take this as axiomatic – either in Europe or in Russia. Arguments about Russia’s relationship to European civilization always reflects the ongoing debates involving Russian-European interdependence, Russia’s distinct national character and the historical path of its development. For most of their history, Russians have continually pondered the question: ‘Are we part of Europe?’ Regardless of the answer, it is undeniable that the European vector has played the lead role in determining Russia’s foreign policy for the past several centuries.
