Orosz birodalmi törekvések a 21. században?
Are there Russian Imperial Efforts in the 21st Century?

Summary/Abstract: The collapse of the Soviet Union caused several changes in the post-soviet region. Most of the former countries/republics have begun to seek new alliances with either the European Union or NATO. This lead to a reduction of the Russian influence in the sphere of its interest. In the ’90s the Russian Federation made attempts to stabilize its world-political place and its prestige as well. In the 2000s, a new era of the Russian Federation has begun with Vladimir Putin’s raise to power. Putin’s notion was that the country’s influence should be restored in the region. According to him, „softer” methods are not enough anymore to accomplish this goal, firmer means need to be used such as increasing both political and martial pressure. The main goal of this study is to investigate whether the Russian ambitions could be considered an imperialistic attitude in the 21st century. The criteria of an imperialistic state are discussed, in addition to this, the concept of the „fifth empire” is presented, which appeared after the USSR’s breakup. Furthermore, the Russian Federation’s domestic politics and for-eign policy are also reviewed as these factors have played an important role in Russia’s prior imperial ambitions. Finally, the study tries to clarify the concepts of expansion based on economy, nationalism, militarism, presented by the example of Ukraine’s case.

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