The Russian Far East (RFE) comprises one quarter of the Russian Federation. It shares borders with China and North Korea, and only several miles of water separate Sakhalin from Japan and Chukotka from Alaska. It is, however, 5,700 miles and ten hours by plane from Moscow. The RFE has more and closer economic relations with Asian neighbours than with Moscow and Western Russia and, although poor and sparsely populated, is highly militarised and rich in minerals, diamonds, gold, oil , tin and more.
This book provides a comprehensive introduction to the region, covering contemporary history, politics, foreign policy, economy and military issues. It examines and compares each of the ten constituent provinces and discusses the possible secession of the RFE - and whom it might choose to join - and security issues surrounding the large number of nuclear weapons in the region. It will be of interest to students and researchers of Russian studies, politics and economics among others.