The relationship between Russia and the rest of Europe has been extremely precarious throughout its existence. From looking to Europe for guidance to openly opposing Europe's interests, the position towards Europe has varied greatly. In the post-Cold War era, Russia's policies have been formulated in an attempt to regain control over their former sphere of influence, often in conflict with European interests regarding the economic, energy and security issues facing the world face. In the world of war, Russia struggled to re-establish itself as a world power. With the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Russia found itself surrounded by hostile nations who feared Moscow's nationalism and expansionism, leading many to seek solace in the form of closer relations with America. Isolated geopolitically, Russia has sought to reclaim what it sees as its rightful place in the world through both foreign policy and economic/energy policies. According to Oudenaren and Tiersky, “Russia's relationship with Europe is a geopolitical history of great importance that goes back centuries to the beginnings of the modern European order” (European Foreign Policies 69). Although Tsar Peter the Great did much to modernize Russia's economy and technology, he did so while repressing many aspects of the European Enlightenment and even European culture. Pursuing modernization in this way, Russia failed to develop its own sense of foreign policy throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, often “alternating between periods of introspection and retreat and aggressive moves toward Europe along its western frontier” (69) . It was precisely this inability to adapt to a changing world that contributed to a series of Russian government collapses. Relations with Eastern Europe have led both sides to display ambivalent positions towards each other, agreeing with each other only when it is in their best interests and often disagreeing on many aspects. While both sides wish to move closer to each other, for the obvious economic and strategic benefits, this is unlikely to happen in the near future without a drastic change in one side's ideology. Works Cited Tiersky, Ronald and Oudenaren John. Van. European foreign policies: does Europe still matter? Lanham, MD: Rowman & Littlefield, 2010. Print.Tiersky, Ronald, Erik Jones, and Saskia Van. Genugten. "Russia." Europe today: an introduction to the twenty-first century. Lanham, MD: Rowman & Littlefield, 2011. 209-41. Press.