The Turning Tables of Russia’s Global South Foreign Policy
| Název práce v češtině: | Proměna významu globálního jihu v zahraniční politice Ruska |
|---|---|
| Název v anglickém jazyce: | The Turning Tables of Russia’s Global South Foreign Policy |
| Klíčová slova: | Globální jih, Ukrajina, Rusko, západní mocnosti, zahraniční politika |
| Klíčová slova anglicky: | Global South, Ukraine, Russia, Western powers, Foreign Policy |
| Akademický rok vypsání: | 2022/2023 |
| Typ práce: | bakalářská práce |
| Jazyk práce: | angličtina |
| Ústav: | Katedra politologie (23-KP) |
| Vedoucí / školitel: | doc. Martin Riegl, Ph.D. |
| Řešitel: | skrytý - zadáno vedoucím/školitelem |
| Datum přihlášení: | 10.09.2023 |
| Datum zadání: | 13.09.2023 |
| Datum odevzdání elektronické podoby: | 30.04.2024 |
| Oponenti: | Mgr. Bohumil Doboš, Ph.D. |
| Zásady pro vypracování |
| Elaboration of the principles:
For this research proposal, I would like to explore the topic of Russia’s change of foreign policy following the aggression in Ukraine, with an emphasis on the region of the global South. IN order to do so I would like to focus on a specific research question: - "Was the Ukraine invasion truly what influenced Russia's foreign policy change of actions in the global South, or are there other past implications impacting Russia's geopolitical position and relations with countries in the region?" This research question allows me to analyze the impact of the Ukraine invasion on Russia's foreign policy specifically in the global South. It also pushes me to explore the extent of the changes in Russia's priorities and actions, and how these changes have affected Russia's geopolitical position and its relationships with countries in the region. To address this research question, I would like to examine various aspects such as Russia's economic engagement, military cooperation, diplomatic efforts, and strategic partnerships in the global South. I would also like to investigate Russia's interactions with specific countries or regions within the global South to understand the nature and extent of its involvement and whether it is truly correlated with the aggression in Ukraine. Preliminary contents of the thesis: 1. Hypotheses: In order to conduct this research I will be framing it with numerous hypotheses in order to find a concrete conclusion to my research questions. I have chose 4 different possible hypotheses that each explore different aspects of the research question. • Hypothesis 1: The Ukraine invasion was a direct trigger for Russia to intensify its foreign policy and increase its influence in the global South as a strategic response to international isolation and Western sanctions. • Hypothesis 2: Russia's change of foreign policy with the global South is a response to the Ukraine invasion but it is not a response to the western sanctions, but a method to counterbalance Western hegemony and expand its sphere of influence through cooperation with China. • Hypothesis 3: The Ukraine invasion has altered Russia's perception of global power dynamics, but it is not the source of its foreign policy changes, as Russia has made it its priority to strengthen its alliances and partnerships in Iran, Turkey and China before the war ever started. • Hypothesis 4: Russia's change of foreign policy in the global South has nothing to do with the Ukraine invasion, it is motivated by a desire to exploit Africa by giving them economic opportunities, gaining access to resources by doing so, and expanding its economic influence in the global south. 2. Theories: Through my research I would like to focus on a few theories in order to frame my thoughts but also be able to organize and separate my research in numerous parts. The two theories I plan on utilizing throughout my research are; the Realism theory. as it is a dominant theories in international relations that focus on as states pursuit of power and national interests which is perfect for analyzing Russia’s foreign policy through a realistic lens by examining how the Ukraine invasion may or may not have influenced Russia’s strategic calculations as well as balance of power and its quest of influence in the global south. The second theory I would like to use to shape this research is the Balance of Power Theory. As this theory suggests that states seek to maintain or alter the distribution of power in their favor to ensure their security and influence, I believe I can apply it to how Russia's actions in Ukraine influenced its perception of power dynamics in the global South, in particular its efforts to counterbalance other global powers in the region, through pursuits of new alliances as well as its partnerships to strengthen its position. 3. Data: In order to conduct this research I will need rather diverse types of information as well as data. Therefore, I will be using the following types of data to do so : - Official Documents and Policy Statements: This type of data will provide me with a lot of analysis-worth materials such as; official documents, policy statements, and speeches from Russian government sources, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, so as to help me understand Russia's stated objectives, policy shifts, and strategic priorities in the global South. - Academic Literature and Research Reports: This data can provide some worthy review materials to understand more the ground as well as the background context I am working with. This will be provided by the following materials; scholarly articles, research papers, and reports written by experts and scholars in the field of international relations, geopolitics, and Russian foreign policy. All of these I believe can provide valuable insights and analysis on Russia's engagement in the global South. - Media Sources: The data obtained from media sources is, I believe, great as it can help monitor news articles, opinion pieces, and analysis from reputable news outlets and international media sources. I believe this data to be key in understanding the various media narratives, public discourses, and perceptions regarding Russia's foreign policy in the global South. - Statistical Data: Statistical databases can also add a lot to this research as they will provide me with figures and numbers in order to back up my hypothesis or some claims I will make. Therefore materials such as reports from international organizations such as the United Nations, World Bank, International Monetary Fund (IMF), and regional organizations (for the more investment type, economic indicators, aid flows, and military cooperation factors) between Russia and countries in the global South. 4. Methods In order to conduct my research and find the information I want and need I have decided to divide my method into two categories. This way I will be able to obtain as much information as needed from different perspectives and sources. The two methods are: - Document Analysis: This will enable me to conduct a comprehensive review and analysis of official documents, policy statements, treaties, and agreements related to Russia's foreign policy in the global South both before and after the Ukraine invasion. Further on gives me the possibility to also do some compare and contrast that will help me identify shifts in policy and strategic priorities. - Case Studies: This method will allow me to get more specific, and pick out particular countries or regions within the global South and conduct in-depth case studies to examine Russia's foreign policy approach before and after the Ukraine invasion. For this one I would plan on using a combination of primary and secondary sources, which includes interviews, media reports, and academic literature, in order to have a more in-depth analysis of Russia's engagement, as well as alliances, and actions in those specific cases. |
| Seznam odborné literatury |
| 5. Academic Sources:
A good paper cannot be written without good sources therefore here is a list of the following academic sources I plan on using throughout the redaction of my thesis. - Asmolov, G. (2021). Russia's Africa Policy and the Challenge of Geopolitical Balance. Africa Spectrum, 56(3), 204-227. - Gorenburg, D., & Shulman, M. (2021). Russia's Military Presence Abroad: Syria and Beyond. Journal of Strategic Studies, 44(3), 389-418. - Krickovic, A. (2021). Russia's Quest for the "Global South": An Analysis of Foreign Aid to the Middle East and Africa. Communist and Post-Communist Studies, 54(2), 113-126. - Lobell, S. E., & Pond, E. (2021). Russia and China as Partners in the Global South: Prospects and Implications. Russian Politics, 6(3), 307-325. - Lukyanov, F. (Ed.). (2020). Russia in the Middle East: The Beginning of a New Era? Valdai Discussion Club. - Matveeva, A. (2022). Security Policy and Intervention: Russia's Engagement in Mozambique. Central Asian Survey, 41(1), 46-65. - Nordquist, K. (2022). Russia's Pivot to the Global South: Motivations, Instruments, and Effects. International Politics, 59(1), 1-23. - Shlyndov, O. (2022). Russia's Presence in Latin America: A Case Study of Venezuela. Journal of Political and Military Sociology, 49(1), 6-22. - Soboleva, I. (2022). Russia's Foreign Policy in Africa: Strategic Interests and Diversification. Russian Politics, 7(1), 73-94. - Tsygankov, A. P. (2019). Russia's Foreign Policy: Change and Continuity in National Identity. Rowman & Littlefield. |
| Předběžná náplň práce |
| Preliminary contents of the thesis:
1. Introduction 2. The History of Russia’s Foreign Policy 2.1 Tsarist Foreign Policy (1462-1917) 2.2 Soviet Foreign Policy (1917-1991) 2.3 21st Century Foreign Policy (1991- Present day) 3. The Global South’s Structure and Russia’s Influence 3.1 The Global South and the World Stage 3.2 Global South and their relation with the Russian Federation 3.3 Moscow and Teheran in the Middle Eastern Framework 3.4 Russia and Africa 4. The Changes in the Russian Foreign Policy towards the Global South Post 2022 4.1 Increased Isolation 4.2 Economic Partnerships 4.3 Diplomatic Outreach 4.4 Security Cooperation and Arms Sales 4.5 Political Partnerships 4.6 Energy Deals 4.7 Soft Power 5. Conclusion 6. List of References 7. Appendices |
| Předběžná náplň práce v anglickém jazyce |
| Preliminary contents of the thesis:
1. Introduction 2. The History of Russia’s Foreign Policy 2.1 Tsarist Foreign Policy (1462-1917) 2.2 Soviet Foreign Policy (1917-1991) 2.3 21st Century Foreign Policy (1991- Present day) 3. The Global South’s Structure and Russia’s Influence 3.1 The Global South and the World Stage 3.2 Global South and their relation with the Russian Federation 3.3 Moscow and Teheran in the Middle Eastern Framework 3.4 Russia and Africa 4. The Changes in the Russian Foreign Policy towards the Global South Post 2022 4.1 Increased Isolation 4.2 Economic Partnerships 4.3 Diplomatic Outreach 4.4 Security Cooperation and Arms Sales 4.5 Political Partnerships 4.6 Energy Deals 4.7 Soft Power 5. Conclusion 6. List of References 7. Appendices |