Kryachkov 2!indd

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Д. А. Крячков
UNIT VIII
legitimate. This is not a matter of misunderstanding between countries but of incompatible/in-
contestable (12) imperatives. All of the good will in the world — and there is precious/preciously 
(13) little of that — cannot solve the problem of two major countries that are compelled to protect 
their interests and in doing so must make the/an/x (14) other feel threatened. I learned much in 
my visit. I did not learn how to solve this problem, save that at the very least each must understand 
the fears of the/an/x other, even if they can’t calm them.
Ex. 31. Fill in the gaps with any suitable word.
Pay attention to words and phrases describing a country’s 
influence. Discuss a) what place in the Russian foreign policy is 
reserved for the CIS; b) the role of ‘soft power’ in Russia’s foreign policy both in the 
CIS and non-CIS countries.
Russia’s influence remains __________ (1) in many of the former Soviet satellites. In addition to 
__________ (2) traditional diplomatic tools to support its influence, Russia has taken an increasing-
ly multidimensional view of power, recognizing the importance of economic, cultural, and public-
relations instruments in __________ (3) the use of Russian culture and language, sales of con-
sumer goods, and investment abroad — all this to enhance its influence in former Soviet republics. 
Russia retains many levers for __________ (4) control in the CIS, including __________ (5) of 
regional separatist (as in Transdniestria) and control of the oil and gas supplies of many CIS states. 
The Russian government has also tried to __________ (6) its common cultural heritage with neigh-
boring nations to __________ (7) its interests. For many CIS countries cultural ties to Russia will re-
main important factors in bilateral relations because of the close personal and family __________ 
(8) that still exist across these countries’ borders with Russia (compare it with Sergei Lavrov’s coin-
age ‘civilizational unity’ of former USSR republics). Not to be overlooked is the widespread use of 
the Russian language. Russian-language books, films, radio, and television __________ (9) impor-
tant roles in those countries. 
Why is Russia’s foreign policy geared toward __________ (10) its influence in this region? 
Does it offer a potential for a great power future? The real reasons stem __________ (11) a desire 
__________ (12) prestige, Russia’s history, its economic priorities, and its security concerns. Long 
before the Soviet Union __________ (13) into being, those states were part of the Russian empire. 
Many Russians therefore see them as natural partners and allies that are __________ (14) to Rus-
sia’s national interests. Any country that makes inroads into this region and __________ (15) ties 
with these countries is seen as doing so __________ (16) Russia’s expense. 
Moscow is interested in __________ (17) influence in the “Near Abroad” because it ensures 
access to the seas (especially the Baltic and Black) and transit rights for Russian gas and oil, and 
helps it __________ (18) the rights of Russian speakers who found themselves living outside their 
“homeland” following the __________ (19) of the USSR. __________ (20) a considerable degree, 
Russian leaders (and much of Russian society) remain accustomed to __________ (21) the CIS 
states as a Russian sphere of influence.
CIS countries are also important to Russia as trade partners. The region must be made safe for 
Russian business activism. To __________ (22) growth, Russia has a clear interest in __________ (23) 
normal trade relationships with its neighbors, including eliminating subsidies for energy exports. 
Russia’s leaders are also concerned __________ (24) two interrelated security issues in the re-
gion. One of the fears relates to “conflict spillover”: Russia’s porous southern borders __________ 

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