Abstract
Traditionally, Russia has been a geographical concept. Its external borders have defined its identity and the strengthes or weaknesses of its leaders and internal organization have determined its external borders. Even its geography is subordinate to the ability of its leaders to secure it effectively. Indicative of this is the strength of the Russian political elite. From the time of the medieval Kievan Rus to the present day Russian Federation, Russia has been led by the powerful. Ivan the Terrible, Peter the Great, Catherine II, Lenin, Stalin, and Breznev all led Russia with the firm hand of nearly unquestioned authority. Great leaders have used their power in the foreign policy realm to expand Russia's territorial borders and security while the weak have allowed this territory to contract and security to diminish. The one element essential and unchanging throughout Russia's foreign policy history has the close linkage between its foreign policy and the authority and personality of its leaders.
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