Abstract: Russia’s strategic culture is deeply rooted in the geographic and spiritual parameters of its history. An important element of this culture has been a search for security through territorial expansion due to an absence of natural physical buffers. This expansionist tendency has been reinforced by a messianic mission tied to Russia’s Orthodox path. These elements have combined to solidify the exceptionalist vision underlying Russia’s claim to be recognized as a great power. Russia’s vast territory, perceived security vulnerabilities, and heterogeneous population have helped entrench a centralized autocratic type of governance aiming to keep internal tensions in check while resisting external pressure through the alternation of defensive and offensive behaviors. These enduring elements of Russia’s strategic culture have resulted in a wavering between feelings of superiority and inferiority toward the West, with this Western-centrism producing relative neglect of the Asian vector of foreign policy; a strong reliance on military tools in national policy; and a continuous balancing between retrenchment and engagement in international affairs.