Geopolitical strategy of the Russian Federation in relation to the epicenter of the visegrad group on the example of Poland in the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Purpose: An attempt to determine the possibility of using the global epidemic's state to implement geopolitical objectives by the Russian Federation on the example of Poland in the wider context of international geopolitical conditions around the Visegrad Group. Design/Methodology/Approach: The paper uses mainly source texts and the content of expert interviews conducted at the turn of 2019/2020. The collected empirical data were then processed using theoretical methods such as analysis, synthesis, and comparison to formulate conclusions using deductive and inductive inference methods. Findings: It has been confirmed that in their foreign policy, the decision-making centers of the Russian Federation are willing to take advantage of the situation of the global epidemic to achieve their own geopolitical goals concerning other countries. Practical Implications: This study may be used in scientific and expert work on the Russian Federation's foreign policy in the COVID-19 era. Originality/Value: Lack of comprehensive scientific studies dedicated to implementing the Russian Federation's geopolitical objectives during the COVID-19 2019/2020 epidemic.