Attempts by Washington and Brussels to push Russia to the fringes of global politics because of the Ukrainian crisis seem to have failed. Thanks to its important role in mediating the Iranian nuclear agreement, and to its unexpected military intervention in Syria, Moscow proved once again to be a key player in international politics.

However, Russia’s recovered assertiveness may represents a challenge to the uncertain leadership of the West. This report aims to gauging Russia’s current role in the light of recent developments on the international stage. The overall Russian foreign policy strategy is examined by taking into account its most important issues: Ukraine and the relationship with the West; the Middle East (intervention in Syria, and ongoing relations with Turkey, Iran and Saudi Arabia); the development of the Eurasian Economic Union; the Russian pivot towards Asia, and China in particular. The volume also analyzes if and to what extent Moscow can fulfill its ambitions in a context of falling oil prices and international sanctions.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION, Giancarlo Aragona

1. Russia's Global Strategy: Is It Economically Sustainable?, Philip Hanson

2. Washington and Brussels: Rethinking Relations with Moscow, Walter Russell Mead

3. The Myth and Reality of Russia's China Pivot, Axel Berkofsky

4. Russia, the New Protagonist in the Middle East, Irina Zvyagelskaya

5. Does Ukraine Still Matter?, Mychailo Minakov

6. Russia and the Eurasian Economic Union. A Failed Project?, Aldo Ferrari

CONCLUSIONS. POLICY IMPLICATIONS FOR THE EU