From neighbourhood to competition: Russia's European policy

This study discusses the restructuring of Post Soviet space as a phenomenon from the perspective of center-periphery relations. Within the framework of concepts peculiar to Russian Foreign Policy and the problems it encounters, it focuses on the Russia's European policy. The focal point of this policy has evolved from neighbourhood to competition. The evolution and transformations of the European dimension of Russia's foreign policy may be examined at a point where Russian studies, European studies and international relations disciplines intersect. This multilayered investigation suggests that the neighbourhood and competition between Europe and Russia or between EU and Russia are influenced by the mission of Russian Foreign Policy regarding the construction of alternative power poles or centers. However, it is seen that that Russia's efforts to transform the modern world system shaped by the European universalism, to which also the EU is part of, are still not efficient enough. Nevertheless, the European policy of Russia reflects the criticism of EU universalism and liberalism and the discourse regarding the construction of a new system or order more strongly by means of the pro Russian international media. In any case, a transition in the European policy of Russia has taken place. Also in the past the difference in the interpretation of Europeanness between Russia and the central countries of the EU came into question from time to time. The study often dwells upon this interpretation difference. What distinguishes the study from previous literature is the argument that Russia constructs its own understanding of Europe as a regional central power. It does so by directing criticism at Pan-Eurpean mechanism.