| ID | 072888 |
| Title Proper | Non-material cost of bandwagoning |
| Other Title Information | the Yugoslav crisis and the transformation of Russian security policy |
| Language | ENG |
| Author | Ambrosio, Thomas |
| Publication | 2006. |
| Summary / Abstract (Note) | The decision to balance against or bandwagon with the United States is heavily influenced by non-material values, especially the perceived status and prestige of the major powers. As a test case, this essay examines the nexus between the US, Russia, and Yugoslavia during the early 1990s. Russia's initial pro-Western foreign policy gave way to a new grand strategy emphasizing Russia's great power status and the independence of its foreign policy. Heavily influenced by non-material values, especially the perceived status and prestige of major powers, the Kremlin's initial, pro-Western foreign policy was deemed unacceptable by a broad spectrum of Russian foreign policy elites not primarily because of perceived threats to Russian security interests, but rather because its Western alignment was seen as incompatible with Russia's desired status as a great power. The emphasis on balancing against the United States continues to this day, corresponding to discontent with the unipolar international system. Why did Russian grand strategy change? What were the long-term effects for Russo-American relations? What, if anything, can the United States do to avoid future balancing behaviour in the other major powers? |
| `In' analytical Note | Contemporary Security Policy Vol. 27, No. 2; Aug 2006: p258-281 |
| Journal Source | Contemporary Security Policy Vol: 27 No 2 |
| Key Words | Yugoslav Crisis ; Russia ; Security Policy ; United States ; International Relations |