Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

The Russian Federation and the West: The Problem of International Order

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
The Russian Challenge to the European Security Environment

Abstract

In Chapter 7, titled ‘The Russian Federation and the United States: The Problem of International Order’, Aleksandar Jankovski alerts to the fact that the confrontation continues to be tempered by an awareness among the protagonists that they have ‘responsibility’ for ensuring that their divisions do not challenge the very existence of the international system and of humankind itself. Basing his argument on insights drawn from the English School, he demonstrates that ‘for all the irritants, the relations between the two great powers have continued to be remarkably orderly and constitutive of international society’. They recognize their indispensable role in collaborating in the workings of the common good of international society.

This chapter draws upon the author’s argument developed in ‘Russia and the United States: On Irritants, Friction, and International Order,’ International Politics, vol. 52, no. 2 (2016). It appears here with the permission of Palgrave Macmillan, the publisher of the journal.

This chapter draws upon the author’s argument developed in ‘Russia and the United States: On Irritants, Friction, and International Order,’ International Politics, vol. 52, no. 2 (2016). It appears here with the permission of Palgrave Macmillan, the publisher of the journal.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 109.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 139.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 139.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Ackerman, S. (2016) ‘Pentagon to Restore Obama’s Troop Cuts in Europe to Address Russian Aggression’, The Guardian, March 30. Available from: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/mar/30/pentagon-restore-barack-obama-troop-cuts-europe-address-russian-aggression. (accessed August 30, 2016).

  • Alawsat, Asharq (2016) Asharq al-Awsat Reveals the Kerry-Lavrov Agreement on Syria, July 28. Available from: LexisNexis Academic. (August 10, 2016).

    Google Scholar 

  • Baker, P. et al. (2009) ‘Obama Suggests U.S. May Rethink Antimissile Plan’, The New York Times, March 3, p. 1. Available from: LexisNexis Academic. (February 16, 2016).

    Google Scholar 

  • Baker, P. et al. (2013) ‘Russian Proposal Catches Obama between Putin and House Republicans’, The New York Times, September 10, p. 8. Available from: LexisNexis Academic. (February 16, 2016).

    Google Scholar 

  • Baker, P., & Barry, E. (2010) ‘Twists, Turns and Anger on Way to Arms Pact with Russia’, The New York Times, March 27, p. 6. Available from: LexisNexis Academic. (February 16, 2016).

    Google Scholar 

  • Baker, P., & Bilefsky, D. (2010) ‘Obama and Medvedev Sign Nuclear Arms Pact’, The New York Times, April 9, p. 8. Available from: LexisNexis Academic. (February 16, 2016).

    Google Scholar 

  • BBC Monitoring Former Soviet Union (2010) Russian Minister Urges US Counterpart to Refrain from Unilateral Action on Iran, May 19. Available from: LexisNexis Academic. (August 4, 2016).

    Google Scholar 

  • BBC Monitoring Former Soviet Union (2010b) ‘Russian Website: New Sanctions against Iran Might Lack Unanimous Approval’, May 20. Available from: LexisNexis Academic. (August 30, 2016).

    Google Scholar 

  • BBC Monitoring Former Soviet Union (2011) ‘US State Secretary Seen as “Invisible Presence” at Russia-Iran Talks in Moscow’, August 18. Available from: LexisNexis Academic. (August 7, 2016).

    Google Scholar 

  • BBC Monitoring Former Soviet Union (2012a) ‘Russian Paper Sees G8 Ministers’ Talks as Making no Progress on Key Issues’, April 13. Available from: LexisNexis Academic. (August 7, 2016).

    Google Scholar 

  • BBC Monitoring Former Soviet Union (2012b) ‘Russian Foreign Minister Sums Up Talks with US Secretary of State’, April 13. Available from: LexisNexis Academic. (August 7, 2016).

    Google Scholar 

  • BBC Monitoring Former Soviet Union (2013) ‘Russian Foreign Minister Says Meeting with US Counterpart was Constructive’, February 26. Available from: LexisNexis Academic. (August 7, 2016).

    Google Scholar 

  • BBC Monitoring Former Soviet Union (2014) ‘Lavrov, Kerry Discuss Ukraine, Mideast, Iran in Basel – Russian Foreign Ministry’, December 4. Available from: LexisNexis Academic. (August 21, 2016).

    Google Scholar 

  • BBC Monitoring Former Soviet Union (2015) ‘Russian Minister Briefs Media on CIS Talks, Discusses WWII Commemorations, Iran’, April 6. Available from: LexisNexis Academic. (August 21, 2016).

    Google Scholar 

  • BBC Monitoring Former Soviet Union (2016) ‘Russia Rejects NATO Criticism of Snap Drill’, June 15. Available from: LexisNexis Academic. (January 8, 2017).

    Google Scholar 

  • BBC Monitoring Middle East (2015) ‘Iran Foreign Minister Hold[s] Talks with UN Director-General, Russian Counterpart’, February 7. Available from: LexisNexis Academic. (August 21, 2016).

    Google Scholar 

  • BBC Monitoring Middle East (2015) ‘Iran, P5+1 to Hold Next Round of Talks in Switzerland on 5 March’, February 27. Available from: LexisNexis Academic. (August 21, 2016).

    Google Scholar 

  • BBC Monitoring Middle East (2015) ‘Iranian Foreign Minister to meet Russian, Chinese Counterparts in Lausanne’, March 28. Available from: LexisNexis Academic. (August 21, 2016).

    Google Scholar 

  • BBC News (2015) ‘Turkey’s Downing of Russian Warplane – What We Know’, December 1. Available from: http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-34912581. (accessed February 16, 2016).

  • Bilefsky, D. (2011) ‘Security Council Uncertain About Intervening in Libya’, The New York Times, March 16. Available from: LexisNexis Academic. (February 16, 2016).

    Google Scholar 

  • Borger, J. (2015) ‘Eighteen Days in Vienna: How the Iranian Nuclear Deal was Done; Epic Negotiations Finally Produce a Grand Geopolitical Compromise Many Had Thought Impossible Only Months Before’, The Guardian, July 15. Available from: LexisNexis Academic. (August 21, 2016).

    Google Scholar 

  • Brown, C. (2001) ‘World Society and the English School: An “International Society” Perspective on World Society’, European Journal on International Relations. Available from Google Scholar. (February 16, 2016) vol. 7, no. 4, 423–441.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bull, H. (1976) ‘Martin Wight and the Theory of International Relations: The Second Martin Wight Memorial Lecture’, British Journal of International Studies Available from Google Scholar. (February 16, 2016) vol. 2, no. 2, 101–116.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bull, H. (1977) Anarchical Society. New York, NY: Palgrave.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Buzan, B. (1993) ‘From International System to International Society: Structural Realism and Regime Theory Meet the English School’, International Organization Available from Google Scholar. (February 16, 2016) vol. 47, no. 3, 327–352.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Buzan, B. (2001) ‘The English School: An Unexploited Resource in IR’, Review of International Studies Available from Google Scholar. (February 16, 2016) vol. 27, no. 3, 471–488.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Calmes, J. (2013) ‘Obama and Putin at Odds on Syria, but Want Talks’, The New York Times, June 18. Available from: LexisNexis Academic. (February 16, 2016).

    Google Scholar 

  • Cooper, H. (2009) ‘Promises of a “Fresh Start” For U.S.-Russia Relations’, The New York Times, April 2, p. 13. Available from: LexisNexis Academic. (February 16, 2016).

    Google Scholar 

  • Cooper, H. (2012) ‘Obama and Putin Meet at Last, but Deadlock on Syria Strategy’, The New York Times, June 19, p. 6. Available from: LexisNexis Academic. (February 16, 2016).

    Google Scholar 

  • Cooper, H., & Landler, M. (2012) ‘U.S. Hopes Assad Can Be Eased Out with Russia’s Aid’, The New York Times, May 27, p. 1. Available from: LexisNexis Academic. (February 16, 2016).

    Google Scholar 

  • DeYoung, K., & Morello, V. (2015) ‘The Path to a Deal: Long Days and Short Tempers’, The Washington Post, July 16, p. A01. Available from: LexisNexis Academic. (August 21, 2016).

    Google Scholar 

  • Duval Smith, A (2016) ‘NATO Countries Begin Largest War Game in Eastern Europe since Cold War’, The Guardian, June 6. Available from: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/06/nato-launches-largest-war-game-in-eastern-europe-since-cold-war-anaconda-2016. (accessed August 30, 2016).

  • Englund, W. (2013) ‘Obama letter to Putin: Sign of a thaw’? The Washington Post, April 16, p. A09. Available from: LexisNexis Academic. (February 16, 2016).

    Google Scholar 

  • Erlanger, S. (2011) ‘G-8 Ministers Fail to Agree on Libya No-Flight Zone’, The New York Times, March 16. Available from: LexisNexis Academic. (February 16, 2016).

    Google Scholar 

  • Erlanger, S. (2012) ‘Talks to Resume with Iran on Uranium Enrichment’, The New York Times, January 21. Available from: LexisNexis Academic. (August 8, 2016).

    Google Scholar 

  • Gearan, A., & Wilson, S. (2013) ‘U.S., Russia Plan Syria effort’, The Washington Post, May 8, p. A09. Available from: LexisNexis Academic. (February 16, 2016).

    Google Scholar 

  • Gladstone, R., & Sengupta, S. (2013) ‘Swift Movement is Seen on Syria After U.N. Action’, The New York Times, September 28, p. 7. Available from: LexisNexis Academic. (August 10, 2016).

    Google Scholar 

  • Gordon, M. (2013) ‘Kerry to Join Iran Nuclear Talks, in Sign of Progress’, The New York Times, November 23. Available from: LexisNexis Academic. (August 7, 2016).

    Google Scholar 

  • Gordon, M (2014) ‘U.S. and Russia Agree to Share More Intelligence on Islamic State’, The New York Times, October 15, p. 14. Available from: LexisNexis Academic. (February 16, 2016).

    Google Scholar 

  • Gordon, M. (2015) ‘Kerry Wins Gulf States’ Cautious Support for Iran Deal’, The New York Times, August 4. Available from: LexisNexis Academic. (August 21, 2016).

    Google Scholar 

  • Gordon, M. (2015) ‘Kerry and Putin to Discuss Syria’, The New York Times, May 12, p. 10. Available from: LexisNexis Academic. (February 16, 2016).

    Google Scholar 

  • Gordon, M. (2015) ‘Tone is More Cordial in New Talks between Kerry and Russians’, The New York Times, May 13, p. 10. Available from: LexisNexis Academic. (August 10, 2016).

    Google Scholar 

  • Gordon, M., & Erdbrink, T. (2013) ‘In New Nuclear Talks, Technological Gains by Iran Pose Challenges to the West’, The New York Times, October 15. Available from: LexisNexis Academic. (August 7, 2016).

    Google Scholar 

  • Gordon, M., & Landler, M. (2013) ‘Accord Reached with Iran to Halt Nuclear Programme’, The New York Times, November 24. Available from: LexisNexis Academic. (August 7, 2016).

    Google Scholar 

  • Gordon, M., & Lee Mayers, S. (2013) ‘Kerry Insists that Syria Quickly Give Data on Arms’, The New York Times, September 13. Available from: LexisNexis Academic. (August 7, 2016).

    Google Scholar 

  • Gordon, M., & Sanger, D. (2014) ‘Iran Nuclear Negotiators, Facing Key Differences, Weigh Extending Deadline’, The New York Times, November 24. Available from: LexisNexis Academic. (August 7, 2016).

    Google Scholar 

  • Gordon, M., & Sanger, D. (2015) ‘With Few Obstacles, Nuclear Deal with Iran may be Near’, The New York Times, July 13. Available from: LexisNexis Academic. (August 21, 2016).

    Google Scholar 

  • Halpin, T. (2009) ‘Obama Offers to Drop Shield for Aid on Iran’, The Times (London), July 8. Available from: LexisNexis Academic. (February 16, 2016).

    Google Scholar 

  • Halpin, T., & Philp C. (2009) ‘A Shot in the Arm for Russia: A Possible Shot in the Foot for US’, The Times (London), September 18, p. 7. Available from: LexisNexis Academic. (February 16, 2016).

    Google Scholar 

  • Halpin, T. (2009) ‘Nuclear Arms Treaty Ends but Spirit Lives on as Leaders Work for New Deal’, The Times (London), December 5, p. 47. Available from: LexisNexis Academic. (February 16, 2016).

    Google Scholar 

  • Halpin, T., & Baldwin, T. (2009) ‘Putin Extends Hand of Friendship as US Weighs Missile Plan’, The Times (London), January 29, pp. 36–37. Available from: LexisNexis Academic. (February 16, 2016).

    Google Scholar 

  • Halpin, T., & Reid, T. (2009) ‘Obama Secret Letter Offers Russia a Deal on Nuclear Iran and the US Missile Shield’, The Times (London), March 4. Available from: LexisNexis Academic. (February 16, 2016).

    Google Scholar 

  • Harris, G. (2016) ‘U.S. and Russia Agree on Steps to Combat ISIS in Syria’, The New York Times, July 16, p. 3. Available from: LexisNexis Academic. (August 10, 2016).

    Google Scholar 

  • Kramer, A. (2015) ‘John Kerry Visits Moscow to Prepare for Talks on Syria’, The New York Times, December 16. Available from: LexisNexis Academic. (August 10, 2016).

    Google Scholar 

  • Kremlin (July 5, 2009) Interview to RAI and Corriere della Sera. Available from: http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/transcripts/4719. (accessed February 16, 2016).

  • Landler, M., & Bilefsky, D. (2011) ‘Spectre of Rebel Rout Helps Shift U.S. Policy on Libya’, The New York Times, March 17, p. 17. Available from: LexisNexis Academic. (February 16, 2016).

    Google Scholar 

  • Landler, M., & Levy, C. (2010) ‘Clinton Trip to Moscow Exposes Rift on Iran’, The New York Times, March 19, p. 4. Available from: LexisNexis Academic. (August 4, 2016).

    Google Scholar 

  • Lee Myers, S. (2013) ‘As Obama Pauses Action, Putin Takes Centre Stage’, The New York Times, September 12, p. 1. Available from: LexisNexis Academic. (February 16, 2016).

    Google Scholar 

  • Lee Myers, S., & Gladstone, R. (2013) ‘U.S. and Russia Plan Conference Aimed at Ending Syrian War’, The New York Times, May 8, p. 12. Available from: LexisNexis Academic. (August 10, 2016).

    Google Scholar 

  • Levy, J., & Baker, P. (2009) ‘U.S. and Russia Take Step to Cut Nuclear Arms’, The New York Times, July 7, p. 1. Available from: LexisNexis Academic. (February 16, 2016).

    Google Scholar 

  • Lynch, C. (2011) ‘U.N. Votes to Impose Sanctions on Gaddafi’, The Washington Post, February 26. Available from: LexisNexis Academic. (February 16, 2016).

    Google Scholar 

  • Nasir, V. (2013) ‘Why Iran May be Ready to Deal’, The New York Times, March 18. Available from: LexisNexis Academic. (August 7, 2016).

    Google Scholar 

  • New Delhi Times (2016) ‘Russian Military Tests Readiness with Snap Inspections’, June 28. Available from: LexisNexis Academic. (August 21, 2016).

    Google Scholar 

  • New York Times (2015) ‘A Tiny Crack in the Russian Ice’, May 14. Available from: LexisNexis Academic. (August 30, 2016).

    Google Scholar 

  • Peterson, S. (2011) ‘Iran Nuclear Talks: What’s on the Table, What’s at Stake; Iran Nuclear Talks Begin in Istanbul Today with Topics that Could Include a Revamped Version of a Nuclear Fuel Swap Deal and Ongoing Sanctions’, The Christian Science Monitor, January 21. Available from: LexisNexis Academic. (August 8, 2016).

    Google Scholar 

  • Philp, C. (2009) ‘Russia Says it will Join Sanctions Against Iran’, The Times (London), September 24, pp. 1, 5. Available from: LexisNexis Academic. (February 16, 2016).

    Google Scholar 

  • Reid, T. (2009) ‘US Scraps Missile Shield’, The Times (London), September 18, pp. 1, 6. Available from: LexisNexis Academic. (February 16, 2016).

    Google Scholar 

  • Rosenberg, M., & MacFarquhar, N. (2015) ‘U.S. and Russia Seek Common Ground on Syria’, The New York Times, October 24, p. 12. Available from: LexisNexis Academic. (August 10, 2016).

    Google Scholar 

  • Sanger, D. et al. (2010) ‘Major Powers Have Deal on Sanctions for Iran’, The New York Times, May 20. Available from: LexisNexis Academic. (February 16, 2016).

    Google Scholar 

  • Shanker, T., & Gordon, M. (2013) ‘Kerry and Hagel Meet with Their Russian Counterparts’, The New York Times, August 10, p. 7. Available from: LexisNexis Academic. (February 16, 2016).

    Google Scholar 

  • Shear, M. et al. (2013) ‘Obama Backs Idea for Syria to Cede Control of Arms’, The New York Times, September 10, p. 1. Available from: LexisNexis Academic. (August 10, 2016).

    Google Scholar 

  • Stewart, B (2016) ‘Cold War-style Hotline Proposed as Tension between East-West Rises in Ukraine’, CBC News, April 30. Available from: http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/russia-nato-ukraine-hotline-1.3559628. (accessed January 8, 2017).

  • Stewart, B (2016) ‘NATO vs. Putin Sabre-Rattling Raises Cold War Concerns’, CBC News, May 15. Available from: http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/nato-putin-military-buildup-1.3581371. (accessed January 8, 2017).

  • United Nations (2011) Security Council Approves ‘No-Fly Zone’ over Libya, Authorizing ‘All Necessary Measures’ to Protect Civilians, by Vote of 10 in Favour with 5 Abstentions, March 17. Available from: http://www.un.org/press/en/2011/sc10200.doc.htm. (accessed February 16, 2016).

  • United Nations News Centre (2010) ‘Citing Iran’s Failure to Clarify Nuclear Ambitions, UN Imposes Additional Sanctions’, June 9. Available from: http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=34970&Cr=iran&Cr1=#.V6Nmco-cEcA. (accessed August 4, 2016).

  • Weir, F. (2012) ‘Report: US Asked Russia to Deliver Ultimatum to Iran; A Leading Russian Newspaper Reported Today that US Secretary of State Clinton Requested that Russia Tell Iran Upcoming Talks are the “Last Chance” before it Pursues a Military Option’, The Christian Science Monitor, March 14. Available from: LexisNexis Academic. (August 8, 2016).

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Northeastern Illinois University, Chicago, IL, USA

    Aleksandar Jankovski

  2. Department of Politics, Lake Forest College, Lake Forest, IL, USA

    Aleksandar Jankovski

Authors
  1. Aleksandar Jankovski
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Aleksandar Jankovski .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Political Science, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida, USA

    Roger E. Kanet

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2017 The Author(s)

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Jankovski, A. (2017). The Russian Federation and the West: The Problem of International Order. In: Kanet, R. (eds) The Russian Challenge to the European Security Environment . Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-50775-0_7

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation