Resurgent Russian imperialism?

http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/edit/archives/2004/02/24/2003099967

<But weakened, as it no doubt is, Putin's Russia still regards itself as a great power. The ruling elite rejects transforming Russia into a junior partner of the US or an unimportant member of the West. As far as Russia's elite is concerned, realpolitik in the 21st century is a fusion of geopolitics and geo-economics, with military might thrown in. Ideology and values play little role.>


<Of course, confrontation with America must be avoided. But, because an alliance of equals is impossible, a flexible combination of limited partnership and local rivalry seems the most likely course. Russia's leaders clearly recognize the country's true current condition, so they accept the need to concentrate on vital interests. They remain convinced that Russia is a great power, but one that for now must act primarily as a regional one.>

<The major objective of this strategy in the near future will come down to restoring Russian influence in the states of the former Soviet Union. Call this strategy "Operation CIS." The objective is not to revive the Soviet Union. All CIS countries -- with the possible exception of Belarus -- will retain their sovereignty. When President Alexander Lukashenko departs, Belarus may fold into Russia as East Germany was absorbed by West Germany in the early 1990s.>

<In pursuing these goals, Russia must remember that imperialism is expensive and will incite confrontation with the West. It must also remember that for the CIS countries, sovereignty primarily means independence from Russia. So the Kremlin should strive for voluntary recognition of its leadership based on economic and social achievements. True leaders, after all, lead by example.>