This book analyses Russia-Europe/EU relations by exploring their practical essence and conceptualizing them in terms of the main categories of international relations research. It argues that the liberal world order, established in Cold War days, whereby international relations are underpinned by a global balance of power and a highly institutionalized framework of international relations, thereby balancing power and morality, continued after the Cold War, with high hopes in the early 1990s for a new order of security and cooperation for all Europe, including Russia. It goes on to show how the liberal world order has broken down, one manifestation of this being the new conflict between Russia and Europe in recent years, a conflict resulting from the failure of European countries/the EU to acknowledge the actual balance of military, economic and political power, the lack of limits on the policy of European countries in terms of infringing on Russia's interests, and Russia's consequent revision, after 1999, of its policy of co-operation. Overall, the book provides huge insight into the nature of Europe-Russia relations.

About the Author

Timofei Bordachev is Programme Director of the Valdai Discussion Club and Academic Supervisor of the Center for Comprehensive European and International Studies at the National Research University Higher School of Economics (Russia).

Reviews

Timofei Bordachev has filled cavernous gap in the study of European Security and global politics. Europe, Russia and The Liberal International Order is one of few enjoyable reads on the subject in recent years. By examining the intersection where national interests and an ideology with globalist pretentions meet. Using the example of relations between Russia and Europe after the Cold War the author shows how the nature and substance of international politics in general have been transformed. A recommended read for anyone interested in why the Post Cold War order unravelled so fast.

Asle Toje (PhD, Cantab.) Member of the Norwegian Nobel Committee)

What went wrong? This is the most frequently asked question when it comes to relations between Russia and Europe after the Cold War. Why shining expectations turned into such a dark alienation? Timofei Bordachev gives a unique perspective arguing that political failure of Common European Home derived from contradictions embedded in the Liberal World Order per se. This book is a brilliant proof that theory of international relations is not just an academic exercise, but a very important instrument of applied analysis. Truly fascinating reading!
Fyodor Lukyanov, editor of Russia in Global Affairs, research director at the Valdai International Duscussion Club

Why did Europe and Russia fail to build the broadly cooperative relationship they both aspired to after the end of the Cold War? In this ambitious work, Timofei Bordachev of the Higher School of Economics deftly draws on international relations theory to illuminate the practical consequences of decisions made in Moscow and Brussels that led to a parting of ways. In the process, he deepens our understanding of the post-Cold War period and makes a valuable contribution to IR theory, highlighting the vital role a balance of power plays in structuring and sustaining international institutions that are ostensibly founded on other principles.

Thomas Graham, Distinguished Fellow, Council on Foreign Relations

Book Information
ISBN 9781032069715
Author Timofei Bordachev
Format Paperback
Page Count 222
Imprint Routledge
Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd
Weight(grams) 1280g