Russian Economic Sanctions as Carrots and Sticks in the Near Abroad

Autor(en): Randall Newnham
Herausgeber: Stephen Aris, Matthias Neumann, Robert Orttung, Jeronim Perovic, Heiko Pleines, Hans-Henning Schröder, Aglaya Snetkov
Serie: Russian Analytical Digest (RAD)
Ausgabe: 157
Seiten: 13-16
Verlag(e): Center for Security Studies (CSS), ETH Zurich; Research Centre for East European Studies, University of Bremen; Institute for European, Russian and Eurasian Studies, George Washington University
Publikationsjahr: 2014

Many observers have noted Russias increasing economic assertiveness in the former Soviet space, especially its ability to control oil and gas supplies-as it is now doing in threatening Ukraine with a 'cold winter.' As this piece will show, though, Russias influence in the near abroad includes many other instruments, all of which must be considered to gain a true sense of Moscows expanding reach in the region. This economic power is rooted in the Soviet period, but has been carefully expanded under President Vladimir Putin. This article will outline some of the types of economic linkage Russia employs and give examples of their effects. Like its 'masked warfare' in the security realm, Moscow has sometimes been able to hide its true intentions, concealing sanctions as 'routine business decisions' or 'bureaucratic measures.' Yet these sanctions and incentives have played a key role in expanding Russias reach around its borders.

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