Russian-British historian Sergey Radchenko, in his new book “To Run the World: The Kremlin’s Cold War Bid for Global Power,” discusses Russia’s efforts to achieve global power. In an interview with Al Jazeera, he stated that Russia’s foreign policy is primarily driven by its aspiration to be recognized as a superpower.
According to Radchenko, there is a continuity in the Kremlin’s policy from the Soviet Union to present-day Russia. He explained that Vladimir Putin particularly seeks U.S. recognition of Russia’s achievements in Ukraine. From Putin’s perspective, he wants to negotiate with the U.S. on equal terms regarding Ukraine’s fate, giving less importance to the opinions of Ukraine or European countries.
Radchenko further stated that this superpower mindset drives Russia to exert influence over its neighboring countries. When a neighboring country, such as Ukraine, defies Russia’s will, Moscow tends to punish it to set an example for others.
This approach shifts Russia’s focus from addressing domestic social issues to seeking global recognition. According to Radchenko, the Russian people often prioritize this global status over their own standard of living.