Dr. Muhammad Asim

Sergei Karaganov and Keir Giles offer markedly different interpretations of Soviet and Russian foreign policy from World War II through 2025, reflecting divergent ideological perspectives and geopolitical analyses.

Karaganov, a prominent Russian political scientist and advisor, advocates for a Eurasianist approach, emphasizing Russia’s role as a central power in a multipolar world. He argues that the Soviet Union’s foreign policy was driven by a desire to counter Western dominance and promote a balance of power. In the post-Soviet era, Karaganov sees Russia’s pivot to the East and the concept of “Greater Eurasia” as strategic moves to assert its sovereignty and influence in the face of Western encroachment. He contends that Russia’s actions, including military interventions and alliances, are defensive measures aimed at preserving national interests and regional stability.

In contrast, Keir Giles, a British analyst specializing in Russian affairs, interprets Soviet and Russian foreign policy through a lens of strategic opportunism and authoritarianism. He argues that the Soviet Union’s expansionist policies were driven by ideological motives and a desire for global influence. Giles views post-Soviet Russia’s foreign policy as a continuation of these tendencies, characterized by aggressive actions, disinformation campaigns, and efforts to undermine Western institutions. He emphasizes the role of state-controlled narratives and the manipulation of historical memory in shaping Russia’s international behavior.

While both scholars acknowledge the complexity of Russia’s geopolitical environment, their analyses diverge significantly. Karaganov presents Russia as a reactive power seeking to protect its sovereignty, whereas Giles portrays it as a proactive force aiming to disrupt the international order. These contrasting perspectives underscore the ongoing debate over Russia’s role in global affairs and the interpretation of its historical and contemporary policies.

References:

• Karaganov, S. (2018). The new Cold War and the emerging Greater Eurasia.
• Karaganov, S. (n.d.). From the pivot to the East to Greater Eurasia.
• Karaganov, S. (n.d.). Russian foreign policy: Finding new bearings.
• Giles, K. (2019). Moscow Rules: What Drives Russia to Confront the West. Brookings Institution Press.
• Giles, K. (2015). Russia’s ‘New’ Tools for Confronting the West: Continuity and Innovation in Moscow’s Exercise of Power. Chatham House.