Abstract

This research project is a study of the Russia- EU relations (2008-2016) and aims to engage with the debates among international relations theories. In particular, the research focuses on the search of an analytical model that best approximates the Russia-EU relations and best explains the behaviours of Russia and the EU during the given period. The Russia-EU relations during the Ukraine crisis will be examined as the key empirical case study. It is argued that neither realism nor complex interdependence could fully address the Russia-EU relations. Therefore, fragile interdependence, as a theoretical framework, is developed to better depict this interdependent relationship. Furthermore, the theory of fragile interdependence offers better measurement of both interdependence and conflict, and examines how the degree of interdependence can affect the intensity of conflict. In this way, fragile interdependence adds to our understanding of the two key concepts in international relations. This theoretical model could also be generalized to o ther important bilateral relationships that show similar characteristics of fragile interdependence, such as the US-China, and China-Japan relations.