Russia
Russian Federation
Population
144.2M
GDP
$2.24T
Capital
Moscow
Government
Federal semi-presidential co...
At a Glance
Human Development
0.8
HDI (0-1)
Democracy
2.2
EIU (0-10)
Press Freedom
—
RSF score
Corruption
—
TI CPI (0-100)
Innovation
—
GII score
Happiness
—
WHR (0-10)
Russia is the world's largest country by area and a permanent member of the UN Security Council. Its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 fundamentally reshaped the international order, triggering comprehensive Western sanctions, NATO expansion (Finland, Sweden), and a renewed East-West confrontation not seen since the Cold War.
Russia positions itself as a champion of a multipolar world order, opposing what it views as Western hegemony. Its pivot toward China and engagement with the Global South through BRICS and bilateral energy deals have partially offset Western isolation.
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As Russia, assert great-power status and defend sovereignty principles. Use your P5 veto power strategically -- threaten it to shape negotiations rather than using it outright. Build coalitions with China on Security Council votes.
Court the Global South by framing Western sanctions as economic imperialism and NATO expansion as aggression. Use procedural knowledge aggressively -- Russia is skilled at blocking language and forcing votes that split Western coalitions. Frame the Ukraine conflict as NATO provocation.
Foreign Policy
Russia's foreign policy is centered on restoring great-power status, maintaining influence in the post-Soviet space (the 'near abroad'), and building a multipolar world order. The Ukraine war has accelerated Russia's pivot toward China and the Global South while severing most diplomatic ties with the West.
Key instruments include energy leverage, nuclear deterrence, Wagner Group/Africa Corps deployments in Africa, and strategic partnerships through BRICS, the SCO, and bilateral relationships with India, Turkey, and Gulf states.