Domestic politics: a forgotten factor in the Russian-Chinese relationship

Kaczmarski, M. (2022) Domestic politics: a forgotten factor in the Russian-Chinese relationship. In: Kirchberger, S., Sinjen, S. and Wörmer, N. (eds.) Russia-China Relations: Emerging Alliance or Eternal Rivals? Springer: Cham, pp. 59-71. ISBN 9783030970116 (doi: 10.1007/978-3-030-97012-3_4)

Abstract

This chapter argues that domestic politics plays a significant role in shaping Sino-Russian relations. Domestic political factors strengthen certain trends in the relationship and, more occasionally, generate obstacles. In structural terms, the growing similarity of political systems, characterized by a high degree of centralization of power in leaders’ hands and the rising crackdown on dissent, shapes the threat assessment. The Russian ruling regime is not challenged by Beijing, hence an increase in China’s power and influence. While disadvantageous geopolitically, it does not pose a threat to regime security and regime survival in the Kremlin. Domestic actors have contributed to Russia’s policy towards China in two ways: by influencing the leadership’s threat assessment and by implementing particular policies. In some areas, such as energy cooperation, a privileged position on behalf of certain actors enables them to promote closer cooperation with China. There is no openly anti-Chinese lobby within the ruling elite and its supporters. More often than not, domestic politics act as a facilitating factor, which mitigates systemic pressures related to China’s rise and growing asymmetry between Russia and China and creates a conducive environment for bilateral cooperation with China in certain sectors.

• Item Type: Book Sections
• Status: Published
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Kaczmarski, Dr Marcin
• Authors: Kaczmarski, M.
• Subjects: J Political Science > JZ International relations
• College/School: College of Social Sciences > School of Social and Political Sciences > Central and East European Studies
• Publisher: Springer
• ISBN: 9783030970116
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © The Author(s) 2022
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons License

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