Relations between Russia and the rest of Europe have been extremely precarious throughout their existence. Whether looking to Europe for advice or outright opposing Europe's interests, the stance towards Europe has varied widely. In the post-Cold War era, Russian policy has been crafted with the aim of regaining control of its former sphere of influence, often clashing with European interests regarding economic, energy, and security issues facing the world. is confronted. A world of war, Russia is struggling to re-establish itself as a world power. With the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Russia found itself surrounded by hostile nations who feared Moscow's nationalism and expansionism, leading many to seek solace in closer relations with America . Geopolitically isolated, Russia has sought to reconquer what it considers to be its rightful place in the world through its foreign policy and its economic and energy policy. According to Oudenaren and Tiersky, “Russia's relationship with Europe is a geopolitical story of major consequences that stretches back centuries to the beginnings of the modern European order” (European Foreign Policies 69). Although Tsar Peter the Great did much to modernize Russia's economy and technology, he did so by suppressing many aspects of the European Enlightenment and even European culture. In carrying out such modernization, Russia failed to develop its own sense of foreign policy in the 18th and 19th centuries, frequently alternating "between periods of introspection and withdrawal and aggressive moves toward Europe on along its western border” (69). It is this inability to adapt to a changing world that has contributed to a series of Russian government collapses...... middle of paper ...... Western Europe and Russia are trying to impose their vision of politics and the international world. Relations between the two countries in Eastern Europe have caused both sides to take ambivalent positions towards each other, only agreeing when it is in their best interests and often disagreeing on many aspects. Although both sides want to move closer to each other, for obvious economic and strategic benefits, this is unlikely to happen in the near future without a radical change in the ideology of one side . Works Cited Tiersky, Ronald and Oudenaren John. Van. European foreign policies: does Europe still matter? Lanham, MD: Rowman & Littlefield, 2010. Print. Tiersky, Ronald, Erik Jones, and Saskia Van. Genugten. "Russia." Europe today: an introduction to the 21st century. Lanham, MD: Rowman and Littlefield, 2011. 209-41. Print.