Russia and China: A Relationship Observed

The journal International  Politics published an article by Professor Jeanne L. Wilson, “Russia’s relationship with China: the role of domestic and ideational factors” (Wilson, J.L. Int Polit (2018). https://doi.org/10.1057/s41311-018-0167-8)

She writes about the strengthening relationship between Russia and China. There is evidence of an increasingly common Russian–Chinese political identity, motivated by profits, national identity as a global power and common resistance to Western values.

Wilson’s article emphasizes two interrelated components that influence Russia’s behavior toward China. First, the strong relationship with China contributes to Russia’s self-image as a great power, which serves to legitimize the Putin government. Second, although Russia and China do not share a common civilizational identity, their political identities, values and norms are gradually converging in common opposition to the dominant values of the West.