Beyond Ukraine: Russia’s Global Strategy

Javier Morales Hernández

Is the war in Ukraine the inevitable destiny of an empire or the result of a calculated strategy within the Kremlin?. In this exclusive analysis for GATE Center, Javier Morales Hernández breaks down how Russia has transitioned from seeking integration with the West in the 1990s to declaring a cultural and military “hybrid war” in 2026. Through a profound diagnostic, Javier Morales Hernández reveals that Russian foreign policy is not just a matter of maps, but a survival tool to keep Vladimir Putin in power by exalting an unshakeable nationalist and ideological pride.

The document immerses us in the six stages that transformed a weakened nation after the USSR into the aggressive actor we see today. From the “shock therapy” of the Yeltsin era to current “neo-traditionalism,” you will discover how the Kremlin has constructed a “unique civilization” identity that positions Russia as the last line of defense for spiritual values against a bloc it labels as “neoliberal and destructive”. This narrative transforms geopolitics into a genuine clash of civilizations where peace is only possible through a tacit division of spheres of influence and a coexistence based on the recognition of Moscow as a great power.

Is Russia truly isolated? The answer from Javier Morales Hernández is key: the Kremlin has executed a bold “pivot to Asia,” strengthening ties with China and India and presenting itself to the Global South as an anti-colonial ally, criticizing the West for its “colonial practices”. While Europe and the United States are relegated in Moscow’s strategic documents to a minimum priority level, Russia seeks to lead a “global majority” that challenges the hierarchical structure of international society. With data from January 2026 showing 83% social support for the alliance with China, this report is essential reading to understand if Russia’s future will be a return to pragmatism or a definitive rupture with the known order. Download the full report and discover what cards the Kremlin is holding in this high-tension game.