Post-Socialist Regions in the World System

Abstract

Following the dismantling of the state socialist bloc, the new independent states sought a place in the world order in different contexts and state combinations. The paper considers different possibilities, and outlines the formation of regional post-socialist regions. The Russian Federation’s past, present and possible future regional alliances are discussed. Russia’s economic synergy is considered to be with the European Union. It is contended that Russia has been pushed towards the SCO and the BRICS by misguided Western policy. A movement to a more pluralistic world system is compared to the unitary paradigm of Wallerstein. The rise of a ‘counterpoint’ (a semi-core) to the hegemonic core is considered to be a geo-political alternative.