Foreign Relations in Russia

Russia’s foreign relations are a major part of European history and world affairs. During the 20^th century, Russian foreign policy was an important factor in the outcome of World War II and the beginning of the Cold War. Throughout this period, there were political conflicts with Western Europe and North America. Soviet communism was at odds with democracy and capitalism. These tensions lasted for over 50 years and were a central feature of Russian foreign relations and international diplomacy.

Battles Against Fascism

The events involving World War II were a key component of Russia’s foreign relations. This conflict gave Russia considerable influence throughout Eastern Europe and the Baltic states. With the defeat of the Nazis, the Red Army occupied most of the countries previously controlled by Germany. These actions set the stage for Russia’s entry into the Yalta Conference of 1944. The top leaders at this summit were Winston Churchill, Franklin Roosevelt and Josef Stalin. Churchill and Roosevelt tried to decrease Russia’s ability to influence foreign policy. However, the Red Army had ultimate authority over vast amounts of land. These disagreements set the stage for the Cold War.

Russian Foreign Policy Post-World War II

The aftermath of World War II led inevitably to the Cold War. This conflict included harsh rhetoric and tensions between NATO and the Warsaw Pact. The worst part of these tensions happened in 1962 with the Cuban Missile Crisis. This event involved the placement of nuclear weapons by Russia in Cuba. The policy was an attempt to offset America’s lead in nuclear weapons. Nikita Khrushchev ultimately removed the missiles and the risk of nuclear war diminished. Tensions further decreased through a series of arms control agreements. Presidents Johnson, Nixon, Ford, Carter, Reagan and Bush all played a role in these agreements over the course of 30 years. Mikhail Gorbachev was also an important factor in negotiating these agreements.

Collapse of Soviet Communism

With the end of the Cold War, Russia had a less hostile foreign policy with the West. Economic relations improved and Moscow attracted economic support from Western Europe and the United States. Russia even became a key ally in the fight against Islamic terrorism and gave important information about the location of certain enemies. This participation continued with the United States and Russia reducing their nuclear stockpiles and signing treaties against anti-ballistic missiles. The White House and Moscow are also partners in their attempts to lessen the influence of China.

Russia and China remain economic and political rivals. Still, Russia’s foreign relations with China have improved since the fall of Soviet communism. Today, there is greater openness between the two countries and shared exchange of travel. These benefits are part of Russia’s renewed leadership on the global stage.