Russian Global Influence Under Putin

Assignment Brief

Under Putin, to what extent has Russia exerted influence at the global level? Give evidence to support your answer

Throughout the long term, Russia`s range of authority has ebbed and streamed as international showdown and strategy have either preferred or hindered Russia. Those nations that have been casualties, winding up pawns in incredible force legislative issues, have frequently looked for the security of Russia`s enemies.

Few have eagerly and promptly acknowledged Russian mastery for they understood that security for Russia frequently implied instability for them. An investigation of the guide of Eastern Europe during the hundreds of years uncovers a mixed bag of states, ethnic groupings, and rising and falling realms that cover a wide span of an area with few normal wildernesses. Still up in the air the scene and the destiny of millions. Magnificent Russia was one of four domains, alongside Prussia, Austria-Hungary, and the Ottoman Empire that competed for authority over this important land during the nineteenth and mid twentieth hundreds of years. Lines moved, nations arose and vanished, and loyalties moved from one domain to another, which ultimately prompted the rise of autonomous nations, however large numbers of those states stayed inside the authoritative reach of the most prevailing adjoining power.

The question asks you to research and write that Under Putin, to what extent has Russia exerted influence at the global level? Give evidence to support your answer.

Sample Answer

Under Putin: The Extent of Russia’s Global Influence

Introduction

Since Vladimir Putin came to power in 1999, Russia has actively sought to reassert itself as a major global power. This ambition has been driven by a combination of political strategy, military action, energy diplomacy, and influence operations. While the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 left Russia weakened and inward-looking, Putin’s leadership has been marked by a determined effort to restore Russia’s status on the world stage. The extent of this influence can be measured through Russia’s actions in international security, regional conflicts, economic partnerships, and participation in global governance.

Political and Diplomatic Influence

Putin has prioritised projecting Russia as a counterweight to Western dominance, particularly the influence of the United States and NATO. Russia’s permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council provides a powerful tool to block resolutions against its interests, as seen in its vetoes concerning Syria and Ukraine. Furthermore, Moscow has strengthened ties with non-Western powers such as China, India, Iran, and countries in Africa and Latin America, positioning itself as a leader of a multipolar world order.

Military Power and Regional Dominance

Military strength has been a key instrument of Putin’s foreign policy. Russia’s 2008 intervention in Georgia, the 2014 annexation of Crimea, and its role in supporting separatists in eastern Ukraine demonstrate its willingness to use force to secure regional influence. Since 2015, Russia’s military intervention in Syria has altered the balance of the conflict, ensuring the survival of Bashar al-Assad’s regime and showcasing Russia’s capacity to project power beyond its immediate neighbourhood. These actions have reinforced its image as a decisive actor in global security matters.

Energy Diplomacy

Russia is one of the world’s largest producers of oil and natural gas, and Putin has used this resource wealth as a strategic asset. The construction of pipelines such as Nord Stream has deepened Europe’s dependence on Russian energy, giving Moscow significant leverage in political negotiations. While the war in Ukraine and subsequent Western sanctions have disrupted some of these relationships, Russia has redirected energy exports to Asian markets, particularly China and India, maintaining its role as a major global energy supplier.

Influence through Information and Cyber Operations

Under Putin, Russia has been accused of using cyber capabilities and information campaigns to influence political outcomes abroad. High-profile examples include alleged interference in the 2016 US presidential election, cyberattacks on European governments, and the spread of disinformation through state-controlled media such as RT and Sputnik. These methods extend Russia’s influence without direct military confrontation, undermining adversaries’ political stability.

Limitations and Backlash

Despite these successes, Russia’s global influence under Putin faces significant limits. Western sanctions following the annexation of Crimea and the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 have weakened its economy and reduced access to global markets. Many nations, particularly in Europe, are actively diversifying away from Russian energy. In addition, Russia’s reliance on military force has alienated some potential partners and deepened its isolation from the West.

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