ABSTRACT
This chapter considers the development of Russian security policy and how it influences Russian thinking about the region. It deals with the Russia's relations with its neighbours in Central Asia and its relations with Ukraine. The chapter examines Russian policies towards Central Asia and considers how Russia has sought to increase its influence through the establishment of regional organisations. It then explores Russia's views on Euro-Atlantic security through consideration of the security documents. In addition to the consideration of the security documents themselves, an examination of Russia's actions towards its neighbours is made since the documents themselves place an importance on Russia's relations with its Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) neighbours. The chapter considers Russian attempts to maintain influence in Ukraine, where the headquartering of the Black Sea Fleet has important implications for Russian defence policy and where a colour revolution led to damaged relations.
