Sanctioned to Supremacy: Russia’s Rise Defies Western Expectations

Poonam Sharma

America is again looking at sanctioning Russia,  it is being stated  that a fresh package of “bone-crushing” sanctions is under consideration. But whether Donald Trump will go for it is unknown. The sanctions are in response to Russia continuing to defy Western expectations, having become the 4th largest economy in the world using purchasing power parity (PPP)

Russia’s economic rise is a testament to the resilience of the nation in the face of Western sanctions. In spite of being placed under harsh economic sanctions, Russia has been able to surpass both Germany and Japan in PPP, indicating its potential as a leading economic power. This rise can be traced back to Russia’s strategic move to diversify its economy, invest in strategic sectors, and establish robust trade ties with other nations.

Russia’s military strength is yet another sphere in which the nation has developed by leaps and bounds. The Russian military is considered to be one of the most powerful military forces in the world, possessing sophisticated capabilities and a successful record of performance. Russia’s production of hypersonic missiles has added further strength to its military power, making it a force to reckon with at the international level. The sanctioning of Russia has not served its intended purposes. Rather than weakening the Russian economy, sanctions have had limited effects, and Russia has adjusted to the new landscape. The fact that the country has weathered the sanctions and continued to develop its economy is an attestation of its resilience and prudence in planning.

Russia’s ascent is a part of the overall realignment towards a multipolar world where various countries and regions are emerging as rising powers. The transition is driven by several factors, including economic expansion, advances in technology, and strategic alliances. With the increasing multipolarity of the world, Western countries’ influence is set to weaken, and new sources of power will be found.

The sanctioning of Russia is unlikely to meet its desired goals. Rather, it will probably solidify Russia’s determination and push it further into the arms of other rising powers. As the world continues to become more multipolar, the West must accommodate the new phenomenon and  adopt a soft diplomacy in dealing with  rising powers such as Russia.

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