Abstract
This paper focuses on the evident rise of Russian nationalism, which is a result of the domestic media and various political players who want to keep Russia isolated from western influences. This is only one of the reasons Russia has not yet joined the European Union (EU). The writer of this paper analyzes the Russian government's displeasure with the EU due to the addition of several countries from the former Soviet bloc, including: Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Slovakia and Slovenia, which resulted in Russia abstaining from joining the EU. This paper also discusses the EU's dissatisfaction with Russia's handling of their ongoing conflict with breakaway Chechnya as well as Russia's federal control which signals a departure from democratic decision-making.

Table of Contents:
Introduction
Why Did the Russian Government Decide Not to Join? (Reasons & Primary Sources)
Domestic Debate: Press, Positions by Major Political Actors, Parties, Interest Groups and Prominent Opinion Makers
Conclusion
Bibliography

From the Paper
"A recent survey conducted by the Russian Center for National Problems and Reforms yielded an insight into Russian domestic ideology as it pertains to the west. Twenty-two percent believed that Russia is a superpower and that any problems should be solved independent of the west. Twelve percent believed that closer ties to the west are imperative is necessary if there is to be economic reform. Eighteen percent want to return to socialism as existed during Lenin's regime. Fifteen percent are centrists and pragmatists who believe that Russia should foster relationships with the west and with middle eastern and Asian neighbors when it suites the country's needs. A look at these domestic statistics reveals that the liberal democrats are losing ground, and the Radical Conservative/Nationalist political position is taking greater hold even over more moderate positions."

Tags:europe, politics, former, soviet, union, vladimir, putin, checnya