From Marx to Putin: The Continuity of Russian Foreign Policy

Karl Marx is primarily known as a theorist of communism—often viewed with skepticism or even dislike, not least because of the political systems that invoked him. This tends to obscure the fact that Marx was also a perceptive observer of international politics. One of his nearly forgotten writings deserves special attention: “The History of Secret Diplomacy in the 18th Century” (written 1856–1857 for the New-York Tribune).

This work is neither an economic treatise nor a revolutionary call to action—it’s a clear analysis of European power dynamics, particularly Russian foreign policy during the era of the Tsars. What Marx described back then seems almost prophetic today—especially in light of contemporary conflicts such as the war in Ukraine.

What is the text about?

Marx analyzes 18th-century diplomacy as a system characterized by intrigues, covert alliances, and imperial strategy. At the core of his critique is Russia, whose policies he regarded as both long-term and dangerous. Particularly striking is how Marx outlines certain patterns that continue to persist, albeit in altered forms:

• Expansion to the West, South, and Southeast;
• Influence under the guise of protective responsibility (back then for Orthodox Christians);
• Destabilization through secret alliances and the division of other powers;
• Disguising imperial interests as defensive reactions.

Marx doesn’t stop at moral condemnation; instead, he reveals how these strategies work—with remarkable detail and geopolitical insight.

What did Russia want, according to Marx?

Marx argued that Russia’s central goal was to secure permanent access to warm seas (particularly via the Black Sea) to act as a great power. To achieve this, it wove a finely tuned network of diplomacy, subversion, and ostensible assistance to neighboring peoples. Marx referred to this form of foreign policy as a “worm policy,” slowly but surely eating its way into the structures of other states—without direct confrontation but with even greater effect.

What happened after Marx—and what about today?

The interests Marx described remained consistent, even though the ideologies changed:

• Under the Tsars, expansion into the Balkans and toward the Mediterranean continued.
• The Soviet Union pursued many of these geopolitical goals—justifying them differently but using similar structures: spheres of influence, buffer states, control over sea access.
• After the collapse of the USSR, Russia initially appeared weakened. However, with the annexation of Crimea in 2014 and the attack on Ukraine in 2022, it became clear: The old interests live on, now justified through cultural, historical, and security arguments.

Why is it worth reading today?

In an era where diplomacy is often conducted behind closed doors and great powers craft narratives to disguise their interests, Marx’s analysis remains enlightening and revealing. It demonstrates that while forms may change, structures often remain the same. Those seeking to understand international politics would do well to revisit seemingly “outdated” texts with fresh eyes.

Marx wasn’t a diplomat but a precise diagnostician of power. His writing is a call for transparency, critical reflection, and historical vigilance. Nothing more—but also nothing less.

For those unafraid of the later political consequences of Marx, this is a piece of clear-sighted commentary on power and strategy that could hardly be more relevant today.

Recommended reading!