Description
This paper will propose a novel conceptualisation of status aspirations in international politics by linking them to evolving historical narratives and unpacking their cognitive, normative and emotional implications for foreign policy decision-makers. It will then apply the proposed conceptualisation to the empirical analysis of Russia's historical narratives of status and their implications for Russian foreign policy during President Putin's rule. The paper will demonstrate how Russia's dominant historical narratives, as articulated by President Putin and his close allies over the past 20 years,have increasingly linked Russia's 'rightful' status to an institutionally-anchored parity with the United States, which, in their view, Russia is entitled to achieve despite the asymmetry of Moscow's and Washington's capabilities.
