Global cooperation to achieve perceived common goals

The Russian Federation is strongly in favor of cooperation on vital matters of global stability and security, and will seek to strengthen ties regarding these and other related issues in the future. Priorities include the settlement of conflicts in the Middle East, the Balkans, the CIS, and finding ways to solve the situation in and around Iraq. These issues will not be resolved unilaterally, and thus will require multi-lateral and therefore mutually beneficial long-term solutions. Russia believes as part of its responsibility as a Great Power that it should present and support systematic plans designed to mitigate or destroy the destabilizing effect these conflicts will have on sustained economic growth as well as societal integrity if allowed to persist.
—Jason F. Charrette, Cedarville University, 2004.

Destabilizing forces in key regions

Russia views radical Islam and the terrorism it fosters as a long-term, systemic threat to its security, as well as to the security of the world. It is concerned about the indigenous Islamic fundamentalists who may threaten regimes in Uzbekistan and other Central Asian republics. Russia believes that if these problems in the Northern Caucasus and Central Asia are not resolved, they may emerge as a threat to world stability in the future. Especially at risk is continued access to oil and natural gas reserves vital to global security and economic expansion. As a member of a multi-lateral force combating world-wide terrorism, Russia has and will continue to support measures and actions which facilitate economic growth and encourage the elimination or mitigation of fractional and destabilizing forces not only within the CIS and Central Asia, but the Middle East and the world as well. This must be accomplished by utilizing a multi-polar set of relations that includes China, the EU, Middle Eastern and South Asian states, as well as the United States. These relationships must be predicated on a respect for competing national interests while simultaneously attempting to enhance areas of correlating interest. In short, Russia will aggressively pursue interests it perceives as being beneficial to itself and the world community in order to promote a global environment that fosters stable, constructive, and predictable development in all aspects.
—Jason F. Charrette, Cedarville University, 2004.

Sanctions & enforcement

Founded upon multilateralism, the Russian Federation has developed a firm non-confrontational foreign policy, supporting sanctions when deemed appropriate by the international community. Indeed, Russia champions the scrupulous solving of world problems on the basis of multilateral cooperation, the supremacy of international law, and the stronger central role of the UN. It is proven that the complex and multifaceted nature of world issues requires a comprehensive plan that combines enforcement with political, diplomatic, and economic action and humanitarian aid. Sanctions, whether economic or diplomatic sanctions or a form of arms embargo, are in complete accordance with the UN Charter, and the Russian Federation maintains that a multilateral approach to sanctions is one of the many ways to handle international conflicts and problems.
—Ian Ellis, Cedarville University, 2004.

Nuclear materials security

As the Russian Federation and its leaders have been warning even before the events of 11/9, international terrorism presents the world’s most eminent threat to world peace and security. WMD, specifically nuclear weapons proliferation, is the newest dimension of this threat, requiring definitive and resolved action by the international community in this area. Russia is the leader in the disarmament movement because it has taken steps to limit its own weapons capabilities; therefore we encourage each member of the international community to eliminate excess weaponry. When we find safe programs for developing nuclear production and power, we limit the threat that nuclear weapons pose, thereby eliminating any potential arms races and disallowing non-state parties to develop and ascertain nuclear weapons. In order to respond to these threats, the UNSC must take steps to strengthen the international legal system and existing multilateral control and monitoring mechanisms, such as UNMOVIC. Primarily, the UN must play the greatest role in leading nuclear inspections and management. The Russian Federation firmly believes that unilateral methods of confronting this problem can be extremely destructive. Furthermore, we believe that the efforts of the IAEA in Iran should be continued, but with no pretenses of conflict or circumvention as Iran is complying. Additionally, the case cannot be closed on Iraq until international inspectors complete a conclusive report.
—Ian Ellis, Cedarville University, 2004.

Peace making and nation building

The face of UN peacekeeping operations has changed dramatically over the past decade from the traditional cease-fire observation to the complex challenge of full administration of a territory. As we understand the new role of peacemaking and nation building, the Russian Federation seeks to maintain a multilateral approach to such efforts because we believe that the main benefit of UN peacekeeping is that it provides for true international cooperation. No other organization or nation in the world can deploy an operation that is both truly legitimate and effective. However the UN does need to improve its peacekeeping effectiveness, particularly in terms of rapid deployment, materiel readiness, funding, strategic lift, training, etc. Russia believes that solving this problem is incumbent upon the UNSC. West Africa, and world regions with similar problems, are suffering from multitudinous armed groups, cross-border spillovers of conflicts, the illegal trade in arms, the recruitment of child soldiers, and massive violations of human rights and the rules of international humanitarian law.
—Ian Ellis, Cedarville University, 2004.

Nuclear free zones

The Russian Federation has always taken the problem of nuclear proliferation and the testing of nuclear based weapons seriously. Our government is very interested in preserving and creating nuclear weapons free zones. The United Soviet Socialist Republic also took great interest in these matters. Russia signed many existing treaties and we continue to support nuclear weapons free zones. Russia actively seeks to limit nuclear testing and prevent nuclear proliferation. We will not tolerate any destabilization of nations or the spread of nuclear weapons.
--Jonathan Dunkin, Cedarville University, 2004.

The struggle against terrorism and its implications for human rights

The Russian Federation firmly opposes acts of terrorism against civilians and established governments. We are committed to removing terrorist activity in our country and seek to limit it throughout the world. Our government continually seeks to balance our acts against terrorism in respect to the rights of our citizens. Terrorism must be limited in all possible ways; we seek stability in the nations of our world, especially those near a Russian border. Our government demands that terrorists must be apprehended and many steps must be taken to prevent any terrorist acts. The Russian Federation will not tolerate any terrorist actions which may seek to damage or unsettle Russia’s democracy.
--Jonathan Dunkin, Cedarville University, 2004.

The effect of HIV/AIDS on peace and security

The Russian Federation is battling HIV/AIDS in our own country and is committed to the international fight against the epidemic. Our nation understands the effects this epidemic can have on the security of a nation, especially on the economy. We seek to assist developing nations and nations which are struggling with this epidemic to contain, control, and cure the numerous outbreaks affecting our world.
--Jonathan Dunkin, Cedarville University, 2004.

Rights of female refugees

The Russian Federation is deeply distressed by the situation of female refugees in the world today. Of particular concern to Russia are those who are internally displaced within a country. Russia believes that all people have the right to live in freedom from fear. Clearly, the situations in which female refugees find themselves raise fears for their lives or well-being. Russia advocates a multi-polar effort to coordinate the protection of female refugees because refugee flows and associated humanitarian issues affect the stability and security of an entire region. Russia expresses concern over giving humanitarian aid dependant on particular regimes due to its strong belief that aid ought to be universal. Russia specifically encourages more support for African countries that are hosting and protecting many refugees. In addition, Russia is grateful for and open to any further assistance that might be granted for protecting refugees in the region of Chechnya. Russia is deeply committed to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and pledges to do as much as is possible to solve the refugee problems. In reference to the current situation, Russia is willing to give monetary assistance and full cooperation to the UNHCR, especially concerning the refugees from Iraq and Afghanistan.
—Melissa Fawcett, Cedarville University, 2004.

Right to decent standard of living

Russia strongly supports the right to a decent standard of living. First, one of Russia’s main goals in the past ten years has been, among other objectives, the improvement of its citizens’ standard of living. Even President Putin has mentioned that what causes him the most pain is to see the poverty, including low standards of living and low incomes, which the Russian people live in. Russia believes that assistance in helping an economy join the World Trade Organization is essential to providing a decent standard of living for that particular country. It is proposed that if there is an improvement in a particular economy, then the people’s standard of living will also benefit. A key element in this connection is the decentralization of power resources throughout a country. Russia also proposes international social safety nets, such as workforce retraining, in order to protect vulnerable people from the high personal cost of structural change within the economy. Russia proposes that governments should be responsible for actions they take concerning the economic decisions. This would encourage government to make decisions that are best for their citizens as a whole. Russia demands a solution that involves a rise in the standard of living so that the living standards are comparable to those of contiguous states. Russia also advocates a more future-oriented policy that would go beyond merely an acceptable standard of living to a more coherent social development policy.
—Melissa Fawcett, Cedarville University, 2004.

Food security through international cooperation

Russia recognizes food security as an acute problem at home as well as an issue of global concern because the right to adequate food is inherently related to the dignity of the human person. Russia is deeply concerned by the awareness that those who are starving are often easily recruited by terrorists. Russia is in support of the number of programs already put into place by the United Nations, but would also like to see additional emphasis placed upon other methods of developing food security. Russia believes in the value of teaching people to farm/garden for their private needs, the use of biotechnology, and the need to create a system to guarantee the quality of food that is being given to those who are in need. Russia will cooperate with the organizations that are meeting emergency food assistance needs. Russia is also very interested in creating a policy that looks toward the future eradication of hunger and malnourishment. In particular, Russia promotes the improvement of assessment capacities, warning systems, and prevention mechanisms. Also, Russia supports a long-term approach which deals with increased effectiveness of aid, improved technology, and investment in agricultural development.
—Melissa Fawcett, Cedarville University, 2004.

Basic policy

The Russian Federation is concerned with the individual and the society of Russia. The Russian Federation wished to achieve a multi-polar system of international Relations. This is evident in the wish to influence general world processes with the aim of forming a stable, just, and democratic world order, built on recognizing norms of international law, including first of all the goals and principles in the U.N. Charter, on equitable and partnership relations among states.  The Russian Federation also wishes to form good-neighbor relations along the borders and to promote elimination of the existing tensions in the regions adjacent to the Russian Federation. The Russian Federation wants to create conditions that will help promote the growth of the country.
--Kim Vogler, Georgetown College, 2003.

Children and armed conflict

The Russian Federation is concerned with human rights and the rights of children.  The Russian Federation was one of the first countries to ratify the Convention on the Rights of a Child.  By signing the treaty, a stance was taken that the Russian Federation is going to make the necessary provisions to keep children out of armed conflict.  The Russian federation is adamant about the age requirements of those allowed to participate in war as 18. The Russian Federation's Constitution instills the need for human rights.  It states that there are "basic rights and liberties of the human being [that] shall be inalienable and shall belong to everyone from birth.
--Kim Vogler, Georgetown College, 2003.

Peacebuilding in post conflict Afghanistan

It is important to the Russian Federation that Afghanistan become stabilized.  As stated before, the Russian Federation is concerned with the regions that have conflict and that the Russian Federation is willing to work on a multilateral stage to help rebuild Afghanistan.  The Russian Federation wishes to cooperate with the western countries to ensure that Afghanistan will come to stabilization.  It is also significant to the Russian Federation to secure Afghanistan because it is a bordering country.
--Kim Vogler, Georgetown College, 2003.

Security Council reform

The Russian Federation is inclined to say that there is a need for great powers to be a part of the Security Council.  The roles of the great powers are essential to the Security Council.  While there should be continuing work to see what progress should and can be made on this issue, there should not be a disruption of the significance of the great powers involvement and cooperation.  There is also the possibility of too much reform disrupting the processes the Security Council was set up for.
--Kim Vogler, Georgetown College, 2003.