Zhang Haoqi

(№.2,2017)

Abstract:Under the framework of the modern global system, Russia has always been a peripheral country that seeking entry the “center” that is Europe. During the Soviet era, Russia succeeded in breaking with this system, but after the collapse of the USSR it was once again relegated to peripheral status, and once again set about striving towards a place at the center of the global system. The failure of the “Great Europe” strategy bought about the proposal for the “Great Eurasia” strategy, which reflects Russia’s shift in focus from “integration” to “reconstruction” on a deep level. However, Russia’s historical experiences of “trading space for time” and the ineffectiveness of its “pivot to the East” have only added to its strategic hesitation. The concept switch from “Great Europe” to “Great Eurasia” reflects Russia’s desire to establish a new foundation in the Asia Pacific region. However, given the still changing shape of the current global order and the uncertainty of the future of global politics, dubbing “Great Eurasia” a long term policy is less accurate than labeling it a temporary stopgap to deal with Russia’s current troubles.

Keywords: Russian Strategy; Center and Periphery; “Great Europe” ; “Great Eurasia”