We Are a Polite People Reflections on Russian Foreign Policy

A Soviet statesman and diplomat, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, a permanent member of the Russian Security Council, and its Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary. Sergei Viktorovich Lavrov needs no introduction. He is one of Russia’s most trusted contemporary politicians and its “face” on the international stage. It’s not often that we have the opportunity to hear directly from a minister what he thinks about a particular issue, to ask him a question, and, most importantly, to hear his answer. With this book, the reader gets that opportunity. Sergei Lavrov’s wide audience makes a strong impression. Among his listeners and interlocutors are not only diplomats and officials, but also students, businessmen, NGO employees, and members of youth social movements. This is a testament to his outstanding work performance, his involvement in various areas of social and political life, and his responsibility for the country’s future. But the main focus of this book is the minister’s reflections on foreign policy events of recent years: the conflicts in Syria and Ukraine, the difficult relationship with Western “partners” and the establishment of relations with the Eastern giant, China, the reform of the United Nations, and the struggle for the Arctic. The modern world is out of balance—geopolitical problems are steadily increasing, and Russia, a powerful and influential state, can change the current state of affairs. As the saying goes, “Without Russia, and unlike Russia, not a single important international problem can be solved.” Diplomat Sergei Lavrov is certain of this, and he can be trusted, for he knows what he says.