International law is a system of principles and norms that set the rights and obligations of its subjects in their mutual relations and in the international community. Its primary subjects are States, who play a decisive role in its creation, execution and sanctioning. As national law, international law is susceptible to political and economic leverage, meaning that the politically and economically stronger or more resourceful States can influence international law more.
In the 20th century two world powers dominated the international field, the Soviet Union and the USA. Both were regarded as the leading international lawmakers of their time, while the remainder of States found themselves on the side of one or the other. Ever since the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, however, the USA has been endeavouring to create a uniform interpretation and application of international law, which was succeeding until the start of the 21. century when the Russian Federation (successor to the Soviet Union), entered into a new era with the election of a new president, Vladimir Putin, less prone to following the status quo.
The Russian Federation is geographically the largest country in the world, rich with oil, which it supplies to numerous States including many member States of the European Union, is a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council and a leading outer space power. Its considerable economic and political power allows it to influence the international community and inter-state relations. By analysing its status in international organisations and with three selected case studies (Crimea, Syria and outer space activities) this thesis will establish that in the 21st century the Russian Federation also decidedly influences the making, application and sanctioning of international law, in theory and practice.
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