The Russian Far East: Opportunities and Challenges for Russia's Window on the Pacific

Moscow recently has made development of its isolated eastern territories, especially the Russian Far East (RFE) a high national priority, and the success—or failure—of these efforts will have significant security implications for the Asia-Pacific community. The region's vast size, rich resource base and proximity to ambitious Asia-Pacific powers accentuate its strategic importance, which seems likely to grow with time. How regional geopolitics interacts with Russian national policies will affect the RFE's course of development as well as the power balance in northeast Asia. The United States has an historical and security interest in preventing the domination of the RFE by any outside nation, and in fostering stability, open access, and growth in this vital region.