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Russia’s Great Power Ambitions & Ukraine: Historian Sergey Radchenko Speaks
Historian Sergey Radchenko discusses Russia’s enduring quest for Great Power status and its role in the Ukraine war. Is Moscow’s legitimacy tied to American recognition?
ND
by News Desk
2025-03-24
Russia’s Great Power Ambitions & Ukraine: Historian Sergey Radchenko Speaks

From the Russian Empire to the Soviet Union and now the Russian Federation, the Kremlin has long sought recognition as a Great Power. Historian Sergey Radchenko, in his book To Run the World: The Kremlin’s Cold War Bid for Global Power, explores how this ambition has shaped Russian foreign policy—from the Cold War to the present-day war in Ukraine.

In an interview with Al Jazeera, Radchenko explains how Russia’s need for legitimacy and recognition on the world stage continues to drive its actions.

Are We in Another Cold War?

Radchenko dismisses the idea that today’s US-Russia tensions mirror the Cold War. He argues that while there is a global power struggle, it is primarily between the US and China rather than Russia.

"Russia is not really in the same league as China and the United States," he says. Unlike the Cold War’s capitalist-socialist divide, today’s geopolitical competition is less ideological but still shaped by nuclear deterrence.

Why Russia Seeks American Recognition

One of the key continuities between the Cold War and today, Radchenko explains, is Russia’s desire to be recognized as a legitimate Great Power—especially by the United States.

"Soviet leaders wanted American recognition of their status as a co-equal superpower," he notes. Even Stalin made compromises for this recognition, such as withholding support for Greek communists in the 1940s due to British influence in Greece.

Putin follows the same logic, Radchenko argues. His obsession with Ukraine is not just about territorial gains—it’s about forcing the US to acknowledge Russia’s sphere of influence.

The Imperialist Mentality Behind Russia’s Foreign Policy

Radchenko traces Russia’s foreign policy mindset to 19th-century imperialist thinking. Soviet leaders like Stalin and Khrushchev believed in a natural right to dominance over weaker neighbors, a belief that continues under Putin’s rule.

"Countries in Russia’s sphere of influence must defer to the Kremlin’s wishes. If they resist, like Ukraine, they must be punished—to send a message to others," he says.

Russia, Trump, and Spheres of Influence

Radchenko also draws parallels between Putin’s and Trump’s worldviews, particularly in how they see Great Powers having exclusive spheres of influence.

"Trump’s rhetoric on the Panama Canal, Canada, and Greenland suggests he sees the Western Hemisphere as America’s playground—similar to how Putin views Russia’s neighbors," he notes.

Why Russia Prioritizes Power Over Economic Growth

With numerous social and economic problems, why does Russia focus on global influence instead of improving living conditions?

Radchenko explains that Russia’s national identity is tied to its ability to dominate others. "They only feel great when they’re able to dominate their weaker neighbors," he argues.

However, he warns that this strategy has its limits. The Soviet Union collapsed because it failed to deliver economic prosperity. While modern Russia has avoided complete economic collapse, its imperial ambitions could still undermine long-term stability.

Conclusion

Radchenko’s analysis suggests that Russia’s foreign policy—past and present—is deeply tied to its quest for legitimacy and recognition as a Great Power. As the Ukraine war continues, it remains to be seen whether this pursuit will strengthen or weaken Russia’s standing in the world.
Tagged:

Russia

Ukraine

putin

Geopolitics

ColdWar

GreatPower
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