Analyzing Russia’s Foreign Policy Objectives: August War of 2008 and Annexation of Crimea

The research aims at analyzing Russian Federation’s foreign political objectives and identifying factors leading to 2008 August War between Georgia and Russia and the annexation of Crimea in 2014. The research explores Russia’s historically established foreign policy objective and examines Russia’s foreign political conduct from early 90’s until the annexation of Crimea through this prism.
After the August War of 2008 and the annexation of Crimea in 2014, Russia’s revisionist foreign policy challenged the world’s and in particular, Europe’s security architecture. Since Russia continues its aggressive foreign policy after 2008 and 2014 military interventions, it is crucial to thoroughly analyze the motives driving Russia’s foreign policy course.
Vladimir Putin’s revisionism is based on the mainstream ideas on Russia’s greatness shared by elites and the general public. According to these ideas, Moscow, as one of the power centers of the international system, necessitates domination over its near neighborhood.
Russia has long been preparing to revise its undesirable status after the break-up of the Soviet Union. Vladimir Putin effectively utilized US shift towardss the Middle East, and by strengthening the power vertical at home, started military and economic modernization of Russia. The major enabler of Putin’s political course was increased prices on oil and gas on the international markets.
Consequently, the research argues that the major factor determining 2008 war against Georgia and the annexation of Crimea in 2014 was Russia’s quest to protect its national interests. All other factors, be it NATO Bucharest Summit or Eastern Partnership Program of the EU, are of secondary importance.