The Russian leadership clearly understand that Russia needs real strategic partnerships. In practice, however, the Kremlin is reluctant to forge them because international solitude is hard-wired in its strategic mindset.

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Abstract

In May 2008, Dmitry Medvedev became the president of the Russian Federation, and Vladimir Putin was appointed prime minister. Three months later, Russia was at war with Georgia. Even if this succession complied with the constitution, it did not comply with Western expectations.

Thomas Gomart, is Director of the Russia/NIS Center at Ifri and of the trilingual electronic collection Russie.Nei.Visions. He teaches at the Special Military School of Saint-Cyr.