Basic Contents of the Foreign Policy of the Russian Federation Under the

ruble and dollar, issuing bills, bonds, limiting cash circulation has gradually lowered inflation, keeping the ruble stable.

Since the end of 1995, the Russian economy has improved. By the end of 1997, Russia's GDP had increased by 0.4% compared to 1996, industry increased by about 1.7%, agriculture had a bumper crop of 95.1 million tons of wheat and Russia could export 3-4 million tons. Inflation was below 1%/month, the price index increased by 8.3%. Russia attracted 7 billion USD in foreign investment, 2 times higher than in 1996. During the period 1992-1997, foreign investment in Russia was 23 billion USD, of which direct investment was 9.7 billion USD. Total turnover

Foreign trade reached 138.2 billion USD, an increase of nearly 2% compared to 1996, exploiting over 275 million tons of oil and 391 billion m3 of gas . By 1997, nearly 60% of old state-owned enterprises had been privatized, the private economic sector accounted for 60-70% of GDP [26, p. 84].

These were considered positive signs for the recovery and development of the Russian economy. However, in July 1997, the financial and economic crisis in the Asia-Pacific region quickly affected Russia. The newly recovered Russian economy was not strong enough to withstand the effects of the crisis. In 1998, the Russian economy fell into a comprehensive crisis, production seriously declined. Compared to 1997, GDP in 1998 decreased by 8%, industrial production decreased by 4.5%, 48% of enterprises were at risk of bankruptcy, agricultural production decreased by 8-9%, wheat output reached 47 million tons, inflation increased by 100%, two-way foreign trade turnover decreased by 17% [26, p. 85].

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The aftermath of the crisis lasted until 1999. At the same time, during this time, the fierce struggle for power in Russia (in less than a year, from September 1998 to August 1999, Russia changed governments three times), causing the Russian economy to continue to decline. Economic indicators were all lower than in 1997, GDP was only 98.1%, agriculture was 88.9%, capital investment was 94.2%. However, inflation decreased to only 36.5%, industry increased by 8.1%. It is estimated that after 8 years of reform (1991-1998), the damage amounted to 1,200 billion USD, 3 times the damage in World War II (420 billion USD) [26, p. 86].

The severe economic crisis has caused the social life of the Russian people to decline. The real income of the Russian people has continuously decreased during the years of implementation.

The reform process and especially after the crisis of August 1998. The total monetary income of Russians, according to the United Nations' method of calculation, is only about 10% of the corresponding index of Americans. The main indicators of the quality of life such as health status and life expectancy of Russians continue to decline. The people lose faith in the state.

* Regarding international prestige: Russia's prestige in the international arena has declined sharply compared to the former Soviet Union. The decline of Russia's position is not only associated with the severe socio-economic crisis in both breadth and depth, but also with the very disadvantageous reality that after the collapse of the bipolar world order, the Russian Federation became a country without open and direct enemies, but also without allies or reliable partners, countries that can help Russia in case of a threat to Russia's vital interests.

Russia's influence is declining even in the CIS countries and the former communist countries. European countries are moving towards joining the EU and NATO. Asian countries, especially Central Asia, are falling under the influence of China or the United States. With a limited economic situation, Russia is not able to gain an advantage over the United States and is forced to make concessions and compromise on many issues. Russia is by no means an equal opponent to the United States.

In international political relations, Russia is in danger of being isolated, marginalized in European and world affairs, and not included in the list of main power centers of the 21st century world order. Russia is almost isolated from the regionalization and internationalization trends.

Thus, the overall picture of Russia is filled with a gray tone: Russian politics is in a mess, the economy is in serious recession, national assets are being hollowed out, mafia gangs are springing up like mushrooms after the rain. Russia does not have an absolute center of power and so the struggle for power will be extremely fierce. It can be said that the last decade of the 20th century was the most difficult decade for Russia. But at the turn of the century, an important political event took place in Russia, the presidential election ended with the victory of a character who is going down in Russian history, that is President V. Putin. He is considered a new star appearing in the Russian political sky.

1.3. Some features of V. Putin

V. Putin's full name is Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin. He was born on October 7, 1952 in Leningrad (now Saint-Peterburg), into a working-class family. His mother, Maria, was a factory worker and his father, Vladimir, worked in the navy, in the submarine fleet. He later transferred to the infantry during World War II. V. Putin had two older brothers born in the mid-1930s, but both died in childhood, one before the war and one during the siege of Leningrad. According to those familiar with the Putin family, they were both kind-hearted people. The family never raised their voices at each other, and they especially educated their son very strictly, teaching him to always look towards the Fatherland. Therefore, for V. Putin, when he was just an employee of the Federal Intelligence Service (KGB) and later when he became President, the top priority was to protect Russia, the Russian people and restore Russia's position as a great power... Not every Russian leader pays attention to this.

V. Putin has a wife and two daughters. V. Putin's wife, Mrs. Ludmila Alexandrovna Putina (maiden name Shkrebneva), was born on January 6, 1958. She is a modest and open person. V. Putin's eldest daughter is Ekaterina, born in 1985, and the youngest is Maria, born in 1986.

Since his school days, V. Putin has shown his aptitude for social sciences. He is especially interested in political news and current events in the world. V. Putin chose the topic “Most-favored-nation principle on the international level” as his university graduation thesis. During his time studying at university in Leningrad, V. Putin met Mr. Anatoli Sobchak, who was then a teaching assistant and later an Associate Professor of the Faculty of Economic Law. This was the person who played an important role in V. Putin’s career later on.

During the period from May 1990 to June 1996, V. Putin fulfilled his duties as an assistant, officer, secretary and representative to the Chairman of the Leningrad Council, Mr. A. Sobchak. V. Putin was the only comrade, always by A. Sobchak's side. On the surface, V. Putin only played a supporting role, but he performed the standards of a leading role. V. Putin became one of the most influential figures in Saint-Peterburg. This time with A. Sobchak helped V. Putin a lot in his later political career, and it is also possible that the task of advising on international issues helped him in shaping the foreign policy of the Russian Federation.

The appearance of V. Putin in Russian politics at this time is considered one of the important events that closed the 20th century and opened the 21st century. The reaction of the Russian people to the appearance of V. Putin is very different. There is no interest because, like his predecessors, he will not bring many changes to Russia. There is skepticism about the longevity of the new government and the impact of new policies. But there are also many people who believe in the youth and courage of the former intelligence agent of the Soviet Union.

Up to now, V. Putin has completed two terms as President. Looking back at the situation in Russia in the late 20th century, we can feel the clear change in Russia today. And that change in Russia is thanks to the flexibility, ingenuity and pragmatism of President V. Putin shown through his foreign policy. V. Putin is considered a captain who has led the Russian ship through many storms. In his last press conference as President on February 14, 2008, V. Putin said: "All the goals set have been achieved and the tasks have been completed." In 2007, Russia's economic growth reached 8.1% and its purchasing power ranked 7th among the world's economies. Russia has built the foundations for a new market economy and is rapidly becoming one of the “giants” of the world economy. In terms of international prestige, Russia is no longer a guest of Europe but is gradually regaining its position as a great power, respected by the US and Europe.

There is a big difference between V. Putin and his predecessors, which is that V. Putin is a loyal "believer" of Great Russianism and a great power foreign policy. V. Putin has a strong belief in the recovery of Russia. That belief was built on the foundation of his family's education since childhood and during his time as a KGB intelligence agent. V. Putin is also a man devoted to the people and the country of Russia. He always puts the interests of the people first, always cares about stability, prosperity and democracy in Russia. As former Russian President B. Yeltsin commented, V. Putin has "gathered around him people determined to revive a great Russia in the 21st century [34, p. 505]". It is that belief and determination that brings success to V. Putin and to Russia.

CHAPTER 2: BASIC CONTENT OF THE FOREIGN POLICY OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION UNDER THE

PRESIDENT V. PUTIN

2.1. The process of foreign policy formation

2.1.1. Objectives of foreign policy

On December 31, 1999, V. Putin took over the presidency of the Russian Federation from his predecessor B. Yeltsin. He understood that this was not a sweet gift to welcome the new century. Before him now were difficulties and challenges. What must V. Putin do to improve the situation of Russia and at the same time regain the image of a great power?

Through the years of working with A.Sobchak in Saint-Peterburg, through the reality happening in Russia, V.Putin understands that it is necessary to find a long-term strategy for Russia, whose immediate priority is to create stability and economic development of the country, not to increase influence abroad. V.Putin understands that in today's world, economic strength and economic power become more important, deciding the existence and prosperity of a country. When Russia shows signs of recovery and begins to enter the development trajectory, the next priority is to restore Russia's status as a world power. Determining this goal plays an important part in the success of foreign policy. In the “Foreign Policy Strategy of the Russian Federation”, published on June 28, 2000, V. Putin once affirmed: “A successful foreign policy of Russia must be built on the basis of adhering to the balance between goals and the ability to achieve those goals”.

Russia's new foreign policy strategy must aim at two goals:

- Firstly , create all favorable conditions to stabilize the political situation and gradually restore and develop the domestic economy.

- Second , ensure that Russia maintains a certain position in the international arena, first of all in the most important strategic regions and fields.

This is considered the basic goal in the domestic and foreign policies of President V. Putin. However, President V. Putin is different from his predecessors in that the boundary between his foreign and domestic policies has been almost blurred. Russia's foreign policy must meet the basic requirements of the Russian people: actively overcoming poverty, building a clean and non-corrupt civil service, limiting the influence of "oligarchs", ending the war in Chechnya, etc. The consolidation of the Russian state institutions as well as the increase in economic growth rate have positively affected Russia's international position and vice versa, an effective international cooperation relationship can bring benefits in the development of the economy, science - technology, culture - education in the country.

The foreign policy of the Russian Federation should make a practical contribution to the common tasks of the country, such as improving the competitiveness of the Russian economy, increasing the export of goods, protecting the interests of Russian companies abroad and promoting the integration of the Russian economy with the world economy, contributing to the goal of doubling Russia's gross domestic product by 2010.

The highest goal of foreign policy is to protect the interests of the State, society and individuals. To revive Russia, V. Putin's foreign policy must achieve the above goals, the most important of which is to firmly protect the country's security, preserve sovereignty and territorial integrity, enhance Russia's position and prestige in the world community, and turn Russia into a great power. From there, a friendly neighborhood belt will be formed around Russia's borders, eliminating and preventing conflicts from arising in areas adjacent to Russian territory.

V. Putin wants to make Russia a world power by its own strength. To do that, Russia must have a developed economy. And V. Putin has set out a principle, which is to use diplomacy to serve the economy, and use foreign policy goals to serve domestic goals. According to V. Putin, the basic goal of foreign policy is to create and maintain a good international and surrounding environment to focus efforts and resources on solving the country's economic and social problems. Economic benefits are not

It is not only the main content of the foreign policy of the Russian Federation, but it is also the driving force behind the development of Russian diplomacy.

The foreign policy of the Russian Federation is within the sphere of power of the President, the Government has no influence on that policy. Foreign policy must ultimately be victorious, and favorable conditions must be created to capture foreign markets for domestic factories and enterprises. At the conference on diplomacy entitled “Reforms in Russia and the Tasks of Diplomacy” on July 12, 2004, President V. Putin affirmed: “The priority task is to protect Russia’s interests abroad. Russia will not allow others to trample on the rights of our citizens and treat them as second-class citizens. Therefore, we can apply everything from traditional diplomatic measures to strict economic trade measures. Everyone must remember that boycotting Russia is impossible and will not yield any results. The task of foreign policy is to enhance Russia’s prestige. If we cannot do so, we will not only fail to protect our citizens, but also fail to help our country's export industry. Therefore, from now on, we must actively participate in peacekeeping and take action, and participate in the activities of regional and international organizations"[64].

V. Putin's strategic viewpoint: "Taking national interests as the core; taking economic development as the premise; taking national spirit as the driving force; taking effective government as the basis; taking social solidarity as the measure; taking history as a lesson; not only one-sidedly criticizing the mistakes of the Soviet period but also affirming the achievements of the Soviet period; taking choosing a suitable development path as the direction; not following the path of Europe and the US; taking rationalization of the external environment as the condition and finally taking the revival of the status of a great power as the goal" [52, p. 61].

Russia's foreign policy must be aimed at influencing the general world process of building a stable, just and democratic world order based on the recognized principles of international law, including the goals and principles of the United Nations Charter, on the basis of equality and partnership between states.

In general, the foreign policy of each country aims at three basic goals: security, development and promoting the country's influence in the world. These three goals are closely related to each other and the priority of each goal in planning and implementing foreign affairs is ranked.

The implementation of each country's foreign policy depends on the specific historical conditions in each period. V. Putin's foreign policy also aims to achieve those goals. And when he was appointed President of Russia, V. Putin decided to immediately embark on the task of restoring the country at all costs. V. Putin believes that this is the greatest goal, the vital meaning of his life. He said: "Fate has given me the opportunity to play an important role in the history of the nation and I have the duty to fulfill that responsibility" [66].

With these goals, we see in V. Putin a patriot, full of ideas about the greatness of Russia. He wants Russia to hold a worthy position in the international arena and be respected by the world.

2.1.2. Main stages in the process of forming President V. Putin's foreign policy

V. Putin's foreign policy was formed and developed through two main stages, equivalent to his two presidential terms.

* Term I (2000-2004):

Right from the first days of his term as President, V. Putin has set out a foreign policy that can be said to be suitable for the actual situation of Russia and meets the requirements of the Russian people. That policy is reflected in the published documents. These are: "General principles of foreign policy of the Russian Federation" (April 2000), "Ideas of foreign policy of the Russian Federation" (July 2000), "Foreign policy strategy of the Russian Federation" (June 28, 2000). In addition, there are other documents such as: "National security strategy of Russia" (January 10, 2000), "Military doctrine of the Russian Federation",... These are the most important documents and the most significant progress in the foreign policy of the Russian Federation over the past ten years.

In these documents, V. Putin clearly expressed his views. First of all, V. Putin identified Russia's position in the world community, Russia's national interests, risks and specific measures to ensure Russia's national security. According to him, the domestic risk is the state of economic decline, severe and prolonged decline, and that is considered the top threat to national security. In addition, there is the lack of perfection of

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