| Summary/Abstract |
THE HISTORY of international relations has seen many examples of nations that, on the verge of tectonic geopolitical shifts, followed a "bloc mentality" and sought to create alliances against third countries. Moscow, however, in accordance with its centuries-old traditions of diplomacy, has always acted contrary to such trends and preferred alliances aimed at development and ensuring peace and stability, refraining from interfering in the affairs of other sovereign countries or undermining their national foundations. In making that choice, Russia was guided not only and not so much by the nobility of its intentions, but primarily by the principles of realpolitik - namely, practical considerations of uniting as many countries as possible to effectively tackle common challenges and threats.
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