The Economization, Rationalization, and Normalization of Russian Foreign Policy

Russian foreign policy is increasingly driven by economic factors which rationalize and make it more like that of "normal" countries. Russian foreign and security policy is being "economized" in that international trade and related issues (debt, currency stability, balance of payments, and integration in the world trade system) have become priorities. Even in traditional security arenas such as military capabilities and balances, economic issues play a major role in Russian policy choices. Russian foreign and security policies are increasingly subject to "rationalization" in that decisions balance costs and benefits. […]

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