Russia, China and the West in the Post-Cold War Era: The Limits of Liberal Universalism

Description

This book analyzes international affairs in the post-Cold War era by taking a special look at identity, norms and interests and the limits of liberal normative universalism. The book assesses the causes of the deterioration of Russian – Western relations, the management of the liberal international order, the challenges liberal democracies face today, the rise of China and its consequences on global governance, and the war in Ukraine as an outcome of the dynamics described throughout the book. China and Russia represent different normative frameworks, have their own national interests, have increased their relative strength and influence and represent alternative economic and diplomatic partners for the Global South. Meanwhile, rising populist sentiment in western liberal democracies reflects important dissatisfaction with establishment policies. This research is particularly important for crafting creative solutions to the dynamic changes of the 21st century and the rise of nonwestern powers with different identities, interests and norms.    Contents Chapter 1: Introduction Introduction A Review of the Literature The Post-Cold War Context Universalism and National Identity Democracy and the U.S.-Led Liberal International Order Political Pluralism, International Pragmatism, and the Protection of Democracy Structure of the Book References Chapter 2: Management of the Liberal International Order Introduction A Brief History of the U.S.-Led Liberal International Order Problems with Universalism The Rise of Populism and Resentment of Liberal Policies The Rising Influence of Non-Western Powers Analytical Conclusions References Chapter 3: Russian-Western Relations: A Trust Never Built Introduction Drivers of Change in Russian-Western Relations Russian Foreign Policy Goals Russian Asymmetric Tactics Russian Identity Conclusion References Chapter 4: The Rise of China and the China-Russia Relationship Introduction National Identity An Overview of China’s Domestic Ambitions Strategic Competition with China China-Russia Nexus Analytical Conclusions References Chapter 5: The Limits of Liberal Universalism and the Crisis in Ukraine Introduction A Brief History of Post-Soviet Ukraine The Events of 2013–2015 and Their Aftermath Two Visions for Ukraine The European Security Architecture An Alternative Security Architecture Global Dynamics Conclusion References Chapter 6: Pluralism and Pragmatism in International Relations Democracy and Geopolitics A Nationalist Pushback to Liberalism The Russia-China Challenge Governance and Culture Wherefore Liberal Hegemony? References Index