Introduction to International Politics

Foreign Event Analysis

Locale[]
Russian Federation
Title
Russia, Germany Discuss Economy
Summary
German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev met earlier this week to discuss the recent worldwide economic problems, talk about a continuing Russian-German dialogue, and attempt to ignore the recent “conflict” in Georgia.
Analysis
The primary reason for the summit was to talk about the poor condition of the worldwide economy. Medvedev stressed that this crisis, originating in the United States financial sector, shows that the global system is too important to be controlled by one nation, saying that a multipolar system should be implemented to safeguard the economic stability of the world.
President Medvedev also indicated that large countries outside the G8 should have more of a say in international economic affairs, a sign that Russia believes in interdependence when it comes to trade and rejects the system that has one major power (the United States), seven slightly lower forces (the remaining members of the G8), and then everyone else.
Both leaders showed an interest in continuing to bolster the relations between the two countries, acknowledging the differences the two may have but saying that strong Russian-German ties are an important facet of creating stability in the region.
This focus on maintaining stability through diplomatic and economic ties between nations, as well as the attempt to shy away from discussing Russian aggression in the Balkans, indicates that this meeting emphasized liberal foreign policy over realist actions.
Perspectivel
Liberal
In-Region URL
http://www.russiatoday.com/news/news/31294
Out-of-Region URL
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-10/02/content_10143329.htm
Submitted
October 3, 2008 at 10:57 am