Andrei P. Tsygankov Livres

Exploring the reception of American world order ideas by Russian elites, the book examines how concepts like Fukuyama's "end of history" and Huntington's "clash of civilizations" are perceived in Russia. Tsygankov argues that these theories are often seen as ethnocentric and limiting, hindering social creativity and justifying a Western-centric global order. He emphasizes the importance of understanding cultural perceptions in international relations and suggests ways to overcome ethnocentric biases, making this work significant for scholars in related fields.

Although many observers argue that US-Russia relations are a simple reflection of elites' political and economic preferences in both countries, these preferences tend to arise from pre-existing belief systems that are deeply rooted in the public and accentuated by mass media. In Dark Double, Andrei P. Tsygankov focuses on the driving power of values and media, in addition to political and economic interests, in structuring US-Russia relations. By analyzing mainstream US newspapers and other media sources, Tsygankov identifies five media narratives involving Russia since the Cold War's end and studies them through a framework of three inter-related factors: historic and cultural differences between the two countries, inter-state competition, and polarizing domestic politics. He shows how Americans' negative views toward Russia draw from a deep wellspring of suspicion and are further enhanced by a biased media that regularly exploits such negativity, Russia's centralization of power and anti-American attitudes. Given the intensity of our current impasse with Russia, Dark Double represents an important intervention that forces us to think about the sources of conflict in a new way.

Focusing on the impact of national identity, the book examines how post-Soviet states formulated their foreign economic policies following the collapse of the Soviet Union. Using a constructivist lens, Andrei P. Tsygankov analyzes case studies from Latvia, Ukraine, and Belarus, revealing that stronger national identities led to a greater tendency to pivot economic activities away from Russia and toward Europe. By integrating qualitative and quantitative methods, the study enhances the understanding of international political economy through the lens of cultural influences.

In recent times, US-Russia relations have deteriorated to what both sides acknowledge is an “all time low.” Russian interference in the 2016 US presidential election and Putin’s continued support for the Assad regime in Syria have placed enormous strain on this historically tense and complex relationship.  In one of the first analyses of the evolving Trump-Putin relationship, leading scholar of Russian foreign policy Andrei P. Tsygankov challenges the dominant view that US-Russia relations have entered a new Cold War phase. Russia’s US strategy, he argues, can only be understood in the context of a changing international order. While America strives to preserve its global dominance, Russia―the weaker power―exploits its asymmetric capabilities and relations with non-Western allies to defend and promote its interests, and to avoid yielding to US pressures. Focusing on key areas of conflict and mutual convergence―from European security to China and the Middle East, as well as cyber, nuclear, and energy issues―Tsygankov paints a nuanced and unsentimental picture of two countries whose ties are likely to remain marked by suspicion and conflict for years to come.

This clear and comprehensive text explores contemporary Soviet/Russian international relations, comparing foreign policy formation under Gorbachev, Yeltsin, Medvedev, and Putin. Challenging conventional views of Moscow's foreign policy, Andrei Tsygankov shows that definitions of national interest depend on visions of national identity and are rooted both in history and domestic politics. Yet the author also highlights the role of the external environment in affecting the balance of power among competing domestic groups. Drawing on both Russian and Western sources, Tsygankov traces how Moscow's policies have shifted under different leaders' visions of Russia's national interests

Since Russia has re-emerged as a global power, its foreign policies have come under close scrutiny. In Russia and the West from Alexander to Putin, Andrei P. Tsygankov identifies honor as the key concept by which Russia's international relations are determined. He argues that Russia's interests in acquiring power, security and welfare are filtered through this cultural belief and that different conceptions of honor provide an organizing framework that produces policies of cooperation, defensiveness and assertiveness in relation to the West. Using ten case studies spanning a period from the early nineteenth century to the present day - including the Holy Alliance, the Triple Entente and the Russia-Georgia war - Tsygankov's theory suggests that when it perceives its sense of honor to be recognized, Russia cooperates with the Western nations; without such a recognition it pursues independent policies either defensively or assertively.

Exploring the evolution of Russian thought, this book delves into the Westernizing trend that has influenced international relations from the early nineteenth century to today. It examines how Russian intellectuals and policymakers have engaged with Western ideas, shaping their approach to global interactions and national identity. Through a historical lens, the work highlights key figures and movements that have contributed to Russia's complex relationship with the West.

Exploring the rich landscape of Russian literature, this work delves into the themes of realism that emerged in the 19th century. It examines the profound social, political, and philosophical questions posed by authors like Tolstoy and Dostoevsky, highlighting their impact on society and culture. The book analyzes character development, narrative techniques, and the portrayal of everyday life, offering insights into how these elements reflect the complexities of Russian identity and experience during a transformative period in history.