About the author

Andrej Kreutz

Dr. Kreutz has been a scholar in history, politics, international law and international relations for more than 50 years, focusing in recent years on post-Soviet Russia’s place in the international system. He has been a lecturer and a visiting professor in Canada and Poland on topics including History of Russian and Eastern European Culture, Middle Eastern Politics, and Comparative Politics and International Relations, teaching at the Department of History, the Department of Political Science, and the Faculty of Continuing Education at the University of Calgary; Department of Policy Studies, Mount Royal College; and in Poland at the Institute of International Studies, University of Lódz, among others.He earned a PhD from the University of Toronto with a focus on Third World Politics and International Relations, presenting his dissertation on “The Vatican and the Third World: The Case of the Palestinians,” which was published by Greenwood Press. At the Faculty of Law, University of Nicolaus Copernicus, Torun, Poland, he prepared a doctoral dissertation on the History of Political Thought with a focus on “The Concept of Church and State Relations in the Carolingian Model of Western Christendom VIII-XI Centuries.” Studying Law and History at the Jagiellonian University in Cracow, the author did Master’s work in the field of International Public Law. He has conducted research at the National Archives in Washington, DC, to the Academy of Sciences in Moscow, the Vatican, and the Public Records Office in London.Dr. Kreutz has written many books and presented papers on topics in Russia and the Arab World, the Post-Cold War International System, and Post-Communist Russia and the Middle East.He is fluent or conversant in Polish, Russian, French, and other European languages as well as English.

Russia’s Place in the World

Name: Russia's Place in the World
Brand: Andrej Kreutz
SKU: russia-s-place-in-the-world
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Categories: History: InternationalAuthor: Andrej Kreutz SKU: russia-s-place-in-the-world Category: History: International Author: Andrej Kreutz

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Prof. Kreutz presents a concise geopolitical and historical background of Russia and the major predicaments that currently hamper its full international integration and acceptance. He outlines the negative and potentially dangerous aspects of the existing situation. In the author's view the Russian Federation, which is a successor state of the Soviet Union and the previous Russian Empire, should not now be treated as a defeated nation on probation. Rather, alongside China, it should be acknowledged as a great independent power with its own political traditions and interests. Only such an approach can secure international peace and cooperation in Europe and Asia, which are needed by all countries of the region and even the world at large.

About the Book

The book's approach is mainly historical; nevertheless it focuses on some of the most important and controversial present day international challenges both in Europe and Asia. Its aims to address academics, journalists and other specialists, but also is written for the general public. Its goal is to provide an alternative and unprejudiced view of the "Russian Problem," starting with the recognition that the struggle for survival has been a major challenge in Russia's past and present - a fact that is often seemingly overlooked by those analysts who misconstrue defensive moves as potential aggression. An expert on Eastern Europe and political history, Prof. Kreutz is neither a Russia-sympathizer nor a Russia-basher, but he presents a neutral account of Russia's place in the world.

This book fills a gap left by other recent works including the historical monograph by Marshall J. Poe, The Russian Moment in World History, which provides only the introduction and background to the present situations, and Professor Tsygankov's Russia's Foreign Policy: Change and Continuity in National Identity, which is more about various Russian political theories than on the actual socio-political and geopolitical situation of the country. Mankoff's Russian Foreign Policy. The Return of Great Power Politics and Treisman's The Return: Journey from Gorbachev to Medvyedev are focused on the current political issues and make some interesting points; however, they do not seem to perceive the challenges coming to Russia from the neo-capitalist transformations and US imperial expansion in its neighborhood.

Dmitri Trenin did not mention much about them either, in Post-Imperium-Eurasian Story. While presenting a rather bleak picture of present-day Russia, Trenin suggests that Moscow should open itself fully to the capitalist modernization and accept US hegemony. His comparisons of the Soviet Union with the former Western colonial empires are not always convincing. Trenin, a former Soviet Colonel and diplomat, was apparently influenced by his employment with the Carnegie Endowment, but his book is nevertheless informative and makes an interesting contribution to the existing literature on the subject.

Introduction

Dr. Andrej Kreutz provides a nuanced and insightful analysis of Russia’s historical legacy, geopolitical role, and the challenges influencing its modern-day global interactions. This compelling book advocates for recognizing Russia as a great independent power, alongside nations like China, and explores its journey as the successor to the Soviet Union and the Russian Empire. Kreutz challenges misconceptions and offers a balanced perspective, emphasizing the importance of fostering international peace and cooperation in Europe, Asia, and beyond.

Historical Context and Geopolitical Analysis: Kreutz traces Russia's transformation from imperial rule to its post-Soviet reality, shedding light on the geopolitical hurdles it has faced. He critiques the "Russian Problem," where defensive actions are often misinterpreted as aggression, leading to strained international relations. Through a detailed exploration of Russia’s political traditions and strategic interests, the author encourages readers to move beyond simplistic narratives and understand Russia’s evolving global role.

Contemporary Challenges and Global Dynamics: The book examines Russia's interactions with NATO, its influence in Eastern Europe, and its deepening partnership with China. Kreutz critiques Western approaches to Russian policy and stresses the need for an inclusive global strategy that moves away from confrontational tactics. By analyzing Russia's economic policies, energy dominance, and military strategies, Kreutz highlights its pivotal role in shaping regional stability and global order.

A Balanced Perspective: Unlike many works on Russian geopolitics, Russia's Place in the World takes a neutral stance. Kreutz neither vilifies nor glorifies Russia but instead presents an objective account rooted in historical and geopolitical realities. His work fills critical gaps left by other authors, including The Russian Moment in World History by Marshall J. Poe and Dmitri Trenin’s Post-Imperium. By blending historical depth with modern analysis, Kreutz provides a comprehensive understanding of Russia’s global identity and significance.

A Call for Global Understanding: Kreutz emphasizes the importance of recognizing Russia’s legitimate interests and sovereignty as a step toward sustainable global peace. He advocates for a multipolar world order where nations respect each other’s traditions, paving the way for stability and cooperation. The book offers a thought-provoking perspective for academics, journalists, policymakers, and anyone seeking to understand Russia's place in a rapidly changing world.

Russia's Place in the World is offers an even-handed assessment for students of history, international relations, and everyone who cares about what's going on in world events. Kreutz’s insightful analysis equips readers with a deeper understanding of Russia's enduring influence and its crucial role in shaping the global narrative.