Abstract
Russia continues struggling with its identity, leaning either toward being a European or an Asian country, or representing the link between the two regions. Recently there has been a Russian “pivot” to Asia, but, as opposed to U.S. rebalancing in this region, Russia does not intend to assume a leadership role and streamline the ongoing political and economic process in accordance with the superpower’s interests. Rather, Russia shows intent to try to fit in more actively in the existing Asia-Pacific order and engage on an equal basis with other members of the region. While this process started earlier, charted by Primakov’s “strategic triangle” idea and multi-vector diplomacy, recent confrontation with the West significantly sped up the process. This article intends to review the evolution of Russia’s conceptual understanding of Asia and its own place and role in the Asia-Pacific region. Further on, the author attempts to take a brief look at major developments happening in the region, review its conflict potential and define the role of its main players. While those factors are reviewed, there is no intention to attempt a comprehensive description of the situation in the Asia- Pacific, but rather to offer an account of existing opportunities and challenges through Russia’s interests and views.
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