Vladimir Putin's Aspiration to Restore the Lost Russian Empire

Abstract

In this article, I argue that the Russian leader, Putin, by his political actions in Eastern Europe, the Baltic States and Central Asian countries, and his current actions in Ukraine, strives to reestablish the nineteenth century Russian Empire, ignoring the principle of international law that protects the sovereignty of each nation-state over its territory. In order to achieve his goals Putin uses "soft force" and social fermentation in Russian speaking "near abroad" (nation-states of the former Soviet Union). He also uses a policy of weakening the economy of the target countries and uses the Russian chauvinism and irredentism as the basis of his policy.

Keywords: Putin, Imperialism, Russian empire, International law

JEL Classification: F01, Z10, Z18