Russia, the United States, and Smaller Europe (the EU): Competition for leadership in the polycentric world

Abstract

This article, based on a report presented by the author at a meeting of the RAS Presidium in June 2015, discusses problems associated with the “civilizational triangle” including Smaller Europe (the EU countries), Russia, and the United States. What unites these three political actors? What factors affect the dynamics of relations within this triangle? What are the competitive advantages and drawbacks of the European Union, Russia, and the United States? Finally, what are the options of the alignment of forces for the next decades?