Russia’s Foreign Policy in the 21st Century

What are the conceptual foundations of Russian foreign policy? What is “near abroad”? Do Russian exports of oil and gas define Russian diplomacy, as it is often claimed? How does NATO enlargement look from the Russian perspective? What made Russian annexation of Crimea possible? Did Russia under Putin really invent hybrid warfare? Can Russia become an oceanic power? What are the limitations of the Moscow-Beijing alliance? Who defines “national interests” in an authoritarian state?