Focus: Maps how Russia’s economic interdependencies with the Baltic States and Western Balkans (trade, investment, energy, migration) shape power relations and provide leverage for influence.
Description: This project investigates the role of economic interdependencies as a tool of Russian influence in Europe’s Eastern periphery. The research has two primary objectives: first, to map the various types of interdependencies, including trade, investment, energy, migration, and services, between Russia and these selected countries, and to track their evolution since the early 2000s; second, to assess how these shifting interdependencies impact power relations and the potential for Russian influence. The project is based on the premise that patterns of interdependence significantly shape power dynamics, providing leverage for stronger actors to exert influence over weaker ones. Through a comparative analysis of interdependencies in EU and NATO member states versus non-member states, this research aims to fill a critical gap in understanding Russia’s ability to manipulate these relationships to advance its geopolitical objectives. By comparing the evolution of economic ties between Russia and its neighbouring countries, the research will identify instruments that these states have developed to mitigate vulnerabilities arising from their interdependence with Russia. This systematic approach will provide valuable insights into the mechanisms by which interdependencies shape power relations, as well as strategies that geographically proximate countries can adopt to reduce their exposure to manipulation by Russian authorities. The analysis will draw on theories of complex interdependence and their implications for power relations in the international system.
Application details and procedures can be found here: