Russia's Quest for International Society and the Prospects for Regional-Level International Societies

Abstract

This article enters the recent debate on the decline in the features of international society within the current system by looking at the case of Russia; a case that has, to date, received little attention. Russia is considered one of the great powers. It is also characterised by a long-standing quest for membership in international society. In addition, Russia merits closer attention as a result of its strategic partnership with the EU. The EU offers Russia access to regional-level international societies with a thicker set of institutions than are available in its relations with the United States and Asia. The fact that Russia identifies itself with Europe has driven it to experiment with some of the solidarist institutions typifying EU-centred societies, most notably the market. As a result there are tangible prospects for maintaining and even expanding the features of international society at the level of greater Europe regardless of the systemic constraints.