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Russia’s Far East: New Dynamics in Asia Pacific and Beyond

Rensselaer Lee and Artyom Lukin
Russia’s Far East: New Dynamics in Asia Pacific and Beyond
ISBN: 978-1-62637-389-1
$95.00
ISBN: 978-1-62637-421-8
$95.00
2015/276 pages/LC: 2015021294
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"A valuable and comprehensive introduction to the Russian Far East and Russia's role in the Asia Pacific." —Alicia J. Campi, Journal of Asian Politics & History

"A splendid addition to the understanding of Russia's foreign relations with its Asia-Pacific neighbors... informative and insightful."— Wonhee Lee, Europe-Asia Studies

"Those with an interest in Russia's Far East and in Russia's role in the Asia Pacific and beyond, this is essential reading."—Michael Bradshaw, Slavic Review

"A valuable source of information for a wide readership, ranging from scholars and students in courses on Russian politics to analysts and policymakers."—Pacific Affairs

"Timely, accessible, and essential."—Tim Reilly, Polar Record

"Excellent.... A clear, compact and comprehensive introduction to the Russian Far East and its position in the international system."—Nigel Gould-Davies, International Affairs

"Provide[s] a reminder that Russia's future may indeed lie to the East.... A valuable contribution."—Choice

"An outstanding work of seminal scholarship."—Midwest Book Review

"Solidly researched, well written...and makes a real contribution to our understanding of this remote yet important region."—Charles E. Ziegler, University of Louisville

DESCRIPTION

The strategically pivotal Russian Far East—a vast expanse stretching from Lake Baikal to the Pacific Ocean—is notable not only for its rich natural resources, but also for the economic challenges, internal dissent, and risks of foreign encroachment that it faces. Rensselaer Lee and Artyom Lukin explore the history, economics, and politics of the RFE in the context of its geopolitical significance both regionally and internationally.

Lee and Lukin address questions that have become increasingly important in current global politics: What are the implications, for example, of Russia's growing economic dependence on China? Could the emerging Sino-Russian entente result in the RFE becoming a de facto appendage of the PRC? To what extent is Moscow willing, or able, to strengthen its links to its neighbors other than China? Can Russia and the US act in partnership to further their common interests in the region? As they suggest answers, the authors shed much-needed light on a previously understudied topic.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

The late Rensselaer Lee was senior fellow at the Foreign Policy Research Institute. Artyom Lukin is associate professor of international relations and deputy director for research in the School of Regional and International Studies at Russia's Far Eastern Federal University.

CONTENTS

  • Setting the Stage.
  • What Is the Russian Far East?
  • History of the Russian Far East.
  • A Region of Troubles.
  • Moscow's Game Plan for the Russian Far East.
  • Russia's Changing Perceptions of China.
  • A Russian-Chinese Alliance: Chimera or Emerging Reality?
  • Is Russia Moving into China's Economic Orbit?
  • A Symbiotic Relationship: Russia's Far East and China's Northeast.
  • Beijing Sets Its Sights on the Russian Far East.
  • Russia and the United States in Asia Pacific: Is Collaboration Possible?
  • What Next for the Russian Far East?