Russia’s Self-Assertion Politics in Post-Soviet Space

Yevgeny Volk / February 09, 2009

Despite a harsh economic downturn, Moscow is continuing down the road of solidifying its positions in the post-Soviet space and crowding the United States and NATO out of the regions it deems its sphere of influence. The past week saw an array of developments along this same track. Clearly under Moscow’s pressure, Kyrgyzstan passed a decision to evict the U.S. air base in Manas from its territory. In return, Bishkek is set to receive unprecedented benefits from Russia – an easy-term loan to the tune of $2 billion, a $450-million financial aid and writing off a $180-mil debt. Although the sides are denying any links between the financial aid and shutting down the U.S. base, Moscow has clearly purchased Bishkek’s decision on Manas.

The summits of the post-Soviet states held in Moscow last week in the framework of Eurasian Economic Cooperation Organization (EAEC) and Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) highlighted the Kremlin’s efforts to consolidate its positions on the post-Soviet space. The EAEC summit participants decided to establish a $10 billion mutual rescue fund with Moscow’s contribution of around 75 percent of the amount. (more…)