Russian Approaches to Global Governance in the 21st Century

The shifting distribution of power challenges Russia's great power ambition and exposes it to growing competition in an increasingly polycentric world. But the emergence of 'rising powers' also provides Russia with greater room for manoeuvre. While remaining a status quo power determined to minimise changes in the international system, Russia is forced to adapt to ongoing change which it cannot halt. This has led to a policy of preserving the benefits of permanent membership on the UN Security Council while, at the same time, increasingly engaging in informal multilateral institutions of global governance, such as the G4, G8 and G20.