in policy direction and a consequent reassessment of security strategy.
However, since 1985, and the introduction of Gorbachev?s ?new thinking?, there
has been a consistent foreign policy goal which has gradually subordinated all
other considerations to its attainment: the integration into the community of
civilised states in order to effect systemic change and regenerate the power of
the USSR/CIS. Under the government of Boris Yeltsin this tendency became ever
more pronounced. Its continuing success will determine whether reforming
liberals within the context of Russian politics, will be able to solve the
military, territorial and ethnic problems left over from the demise of the
Soviet Union, peaceably. Russia is by far the most important and powerful state
within the CIS. All other states will have to shape their foreign policy and
security considerations according to this reality for many years to come. If
Russia continues to receive adequate amounts of aid from the Western
institutions, liberal reforms will continue; the nationalist hard-liners will
be slowly isolated and their power bases eroded. The settlement of border
disputes and the protection of Russian minorities can be achieved through the
provisions of the CSCE under the
auspices of the UN. The reduction of tension in the area would allow Russia and
the other successor states to further concentrate on domestic reforms,
bilateral treaties, and a new community organised in accordance with regional
conditions. A community and bilateral
treaty network that is based on co-operation not coercion. Therefore, we must
conclude that the paramount issue in foreign policy and security confronting
Russia and the CIS is continued integration into the ?civilised community of
nations? as the best means of peaceably solving
national disputes, ethnic strife, and arresting economic decline. BIBLIOGRAPHYA. Alexiev. After the Rubble What? Problems of Communism 1992. Vol. 41C. Wallander. International Institutions and Modern Security Stratagies. Problems
of Communism. 1992. Vol. 41H. Timmermann. Russian Foreign Policy Under Yeltsin. Journal of Communist Studies.
1992.
P. Goble. Russia and its Neighbours.
Foreign Policy. 1993. P. Volten. Security Dimensions of Imperial Collapse. Problems of Communism. ?1992. Vol. 41V. Aspaturnian. Farewell to Soviet Foreign Policy. Problems of Communism.1991. Vol.
40 The Economist: Yeltsin?s Diplomats A New
Crimean War. 01-02-1992 P.42
The Economist: Europe?s New Minorities. 21-07-1992 P.42
The Economist The Rouble Zone; Behind The Facade: 19-09-1992 P.132 [1] Timmermann:p.163 [2] Wallander:p.61 [2] Timmerman:p.175 [4] Goble:p.81 5 Timmerman:p.167 [6] Goble:p.83 [7] Economist:21-7-92,p.42 [8] Goble:p.85