Competing for Influence the EU and Russia in post-Soviet Eurasia

Central and East European Studies Series, 2 (International Studies Library, 33) Over the past decade the policies of the European Union and the Russian Federation have increasingly come into conflict, as both have attempted to pursue their interests in their respective 'neighbourhoods', neighbourhoods that overlap thoughout post-Soviet territory. Russia views efforts by the EU to establish closer political and economic ties and to support democratic political developments in the region as direct challenges to Russia's 'legitimate' interests. With the reemergence of Russia as an important international actor under Vladimir Putin, Russian policy became increasing assertive in protecting those interests, culminating in the war with Georgia. The book provides a broad examination of various aspects of this competitive relationship.