| ID | 151551 |
| Title Proper | Two heads of the Russian eagle |
| Language | ENG |
| Author | Toloraya, Georgy |
| Summary / Abstract (Note) | The enthusiasm for the "pivot to the East," which emerged in Russia (somewhat unexpectedly even for the ideologists and advocates of this doctrine) after its stand-off with the West a few years ago, seems to be over. The reason may be the loss of illusions: not only some politicians but also businessmen and the public, doused by a cold shower of Western sanctions, at first hoped that they would easily find solace in a warm embrace of Eastern partners. Incidentally, in Russia's public perception "the East" includes almost the entire "non-West"—from the Atlantic coast of Morocco to the Japanese islands. Clearly, in this discourse "the East" simply does not exist in reality. But the persistence of the Soviet-era idea of "common destiny in the national liberation movement and anti-imperialist solidarity" fueled these expectations. Some people thought that Russia's "civilizational platform" was closer to the East than to the West, which would help the two parties find a common language, as before. In addition, some Eastern countries owed much to the Soviet Union which had helped them build a modern economic base; so it was believed that they should be more sensitive to Russia's needs. The very cliche of "Russia turning to the East" presupposed that Russia was the actor of this process, while the East was only the subject, interested in it in one way or another. |
| `In' analytical Note | Russia in Global Affairs Vol. 15, No.1; Jan-Mar 2017: p.166-175 |
| Journal Source | Russia in Global Affairs 2017-03 15, 1 |
| Key Words | Western Europe ; Russia's Asia Policy ; BRICS ; Pivot to the East |