Testing the world order: strategic realism in Russian foreign affairs

Abstract Russian actions since 2007 appear increasingly to constitute a realist approach international affairs. Russia appears be behaving as rising power, attempting become regional or global superpower. Essential this pursuit, state must gather information strategically. We examine one feature of strategic gathering, called test, action that asserts power but also garners it elicits response. Through test framework, we provide explanation understanding Russia’s foreign affairs and its pursuit in the near abroad, Western Europe, Middle East, Asia, elections.