An analysis of, and factual details on, the economy, natural resources, populations, foreign economic activity, and radical economic reform in the Russian Far East. Features of the public and private sectors are discussed providing a comprehensive discussion of this area.

This book is open access under a CC BY license. This book explores if and how Russian policies towards the Far East region of the country – and East Asia more broadly – have changed since the onset of the Ukraine crisis and Russia’s annexation of Crimea. Following the 2014 annexation and the subsequent enactment of a sanctions regime against the country, the Kremlin has emphasized the eastern vector in its external relations. But to what extent has Russia’s 'pivot to the East' intensified or changed in nature – domestically and internationally – since the onset of the current crisis in relations with the West? Rather than taking the declared 'pivot' as a fact and exploring the consequences of it, the contributors to this volume explore whether a pivot has indeed happened or if what we see today is the continuation of longer-duration trends, concerns and ambitions.

Politics and Economics in the Russian Far East addresses the key issue of what the Russian Far East and its Northeast Asian neighbours can do to further closen economic and co-operative relationships. The question of to what extent the state should intervene to stimulate economic growth in the Russian Far East is covered, as are the options for a more laissez-faire approach. The possibilities for economic co-operation with the more successful market economies of the region are discussed as are the problems and opportunities presented by the exploitation of Russia's vast natural resources. This book will be essential reading for all those wishing to obtain a deeper understanding of the complexity of the issues involved in the development of co-operative relationships between Russia and its Asia-Pacific neighbours.

Solidly researched, well written ... and makes a real contribution to our understanding of this remote yet important region. --Charles E. Ziegler, University of Louisville The strategically located Russian Far East¿a vast expanse stretching from Lake Baikal to the Pacific Ocean¿is notable not only for its rich natural resources, but also for the economic challenges, internal dissent, and risks of foreign encroachment that it faces. Rensselaer Lee and Artyom Lukin explore the history, economics, and politics of the RFE in the context of its geopolitical significance both regionally and internationally. Lee and Lukin address questions that have become increasingly important in current global politics: What are the implications, for example, of Russia¿s growing economic dependence on China? Could the emerging Sino-Russian entente result in the RFE becoming a de-facto appendage of the PRC? To what extent is Moscow willing, or able, to strengthen its links to its neighbors other than China? Can Russia and the US act in partnership to further their common interests in the region? As they suggest answers, the authors shed much-needed light on a previously understudied topic. Rensselaer Lee is senior fellow at the Foreign Policy Research Institute. His previous books include Smuggling Armageddon: The Nuclear Black Market in the Former Soviet Union and Europe. Artyom Lukin is associate professor of international relations and deputy director for research in the School of Regional and International Studies at Russia¿s Far Eastern Federal University.

Introduction : why Russia matters and how -- Russia's historical roots -- Political development : from disorder to recentralization of power -- Russia's economic revival : past recovery, future challenges -- Policy on oil and gas -- International economic integration, trade policy, and investment -- Challenges of demography and health -- Russian attitudes toward the West -- Russia as a post-imperial power -- Pressing the "reset button" on US-Russia relations -- Key facts on Russia, 2000-2008.

The Russian Far East is one of the most strategically important regions of Russia. The Russian Far East and the development of its manufacturing strength determine Russia’s role in a major economic area of the world: the Asia-Pacific region. The degree to which the transportation, telecommunications, and social infrastructure of the Pacific coast of Russia are developed will predetermine the export potential of the country. This important research presents the strategic scenario for the most effective use of resources of the Russian Far East.