In their book, Spechler and Spechler (both, Indiana Univ.) examine the success of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s foreign policy in the "near abroad" (the former Soviet republics). They argue that Putin hopes to achieve four objectives in the near abroad: prevent more “color” revolutions; keep NATO out; stem the flow of terrorists, arms, and drugs; and provide economic opportunities for his associates. This volume is strongest in the chapters evaluating Russia’s foreign policy in the near abroad. Looking at Central Asia, countries to the Southwest, and countries to the Northwest, the authors provide basic background for each country as well as a brief overview of its relationship with Russia. Although these individual country analyses are not exhaustive, they do give readers a good sense of Russia's policies and foreign relations under Putin. The book also presents a useful summary of the recent history of Russian foreign policy thought and a chapter on the ever-changing relationship between Russia and China. The discussion of Russia and China’s competition over Central Asia and their use of different international organizations to further their goals is particularly useful. Summing Up: Recommended. Lower-division undergraduates through faculty; professionals.

Choice Reviews

“The reader interested in Russian policy toward its near neighbors – the fourteen other post-Soviet states plus Finland and China – as well as the competitive relationship of Putin’s Russia and China, especially in Central Asia, will find this volume essential reading. The authors conclude that ‘that Putin’s nearly two-decade rule has had considerable, although not unqualified, success in achieving’ in the Near Abroad the major goals of preventing radical democratic political changes; excluding NATO from countries near Russia’s borders, except in the Baltic; interdicting flows of terrorists, arms, and drugs; and providing generous incomes for Putin’s closest associates and supporters.”

Roger E. Kanet, Professor Emeritus at both the University of Miami and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

“Putin and His Neighbors: Russia's Policies toward Eurasia is a timely addition to our understanding the economic underpinnings of Russian foreign policy since the resource boom ended in 2014. In particular, it weaves together the implications of President Putin's agenda, Russia's economic weaknesses and the rise of China as a competitor or potential ally, especially in Central Asia.”

Richard Pomfret, University of Adelaide

“This rigorously argued and incisive book furnishes a provocative analysis of Russian foreign policy in the former Soviet Union. Unlike many other such studies it emphasizes Russia's economic leverage and argues against the grain of most studies in this subject that Moscow's policies here have largely succeeded. Like it or not, this is an argument with which scholars, experts, and policymakers must contend with.”

Stephen Blank, Senior Fellow, American Foreign Policy Council