What is Russia’s place in the world? A senior Russian parliamentarian saw it like this: ‘Put yourselves in our shoes. Think how the world looks to us.
To the east is China, the most populous country in the world, eyeing empty Siberia. To the south is dangerous instability: Afghanistan, the Middle East, the Caucasus. Only to the west is there a haven of security. No wonder we want normal relations with Europe.’
That view is not shared by one former Russian general, recently quoted in a Russian newspaper: ‘If Estonia joins NATO,’ he warned, ‘NATO’s frontline will be less than two hundred miles from St Petersburg.’
Which view reflects what ordinary Russians think? The answer, of course, is both: it depends on who you ask. As ever, attitudes to the outside world are anything but monolithic. Certainly the first view – of the westernisers – has since September 11 become more mainstream. But neither should be disregarded.
