Rival power
Subtitle: Russia's influence in Southeast Europe
By: Dimitar Bechev
Publisher: Yale University Press
Published: 2017
Language: eng
Number of pages: 300
ISBN-13: 9780300219135
Subjects: Relations
Description: Is Russia threatening to disrupt more than two decades' of E.U. and U.S. efforts to promote stability in post-communist Southeast Europe? Politicians and commentators in the West say, "yes." With rising global anxiety over Russia's political policies and objectives, Dimitar Bechev provides the only in-depth look at this volatile region. Deftly unpacking the nature and extent of Russian influence in the Balkans, Greece, and Turkey, Bechev argues that both sides are driven by pragmatism and opportunism rather than historical loyalties. Russia is seeking to assert its role in Europe's security architecture, establish alternative routes for its gas exports - including the contested Southern Gas Corridor - and score points against the West. Yet, leaders in these areas are allowing Russia to reinsert itself to serve their own goals. This urgently needed guide analyzes the responses of regional NATO members, particularly regarding the annexation of Crimea and the Putin-Erdogan rift over Syria. --
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (pages 254-289) and index.
Table of contents: title: Introduction : an empire returns; title: Part I. Russia and the countries of southeast Europe. The Balkans rediscovered : Russia and the breakup of Yugoslavia; title: Meddling in Europe's backyard : Russia in the western Balkans; title: Across the Black Sea : Bulgaria and Romania; title: Friends with benefits : Greece and Cyprus; title: The Russian-Turkish marriage of convenience; title: Part II. Areas of Russian influence. From a military standoff to hybrid warfare; title: Playing the energy card; title: The allure of Russia's might; title: Epilogue : Russia's influence; title: what's it all about?