Russia‘s Growing Influence in southeast Asia
Nikolai Patrushev, Russia’s powerful Security Council secretary and close aide to President Vladimir Putin, visited Jakarta this month to push for deeper ties between Russia and indonesia. The two countries signed a memorandum of understanding that expanded bilateral defense cooperation in shipbuilding,maritime education and energy transition.
Notably, defence publication Jane’s reported earlier this year that Moscow had sought permission to station military aircraft at a base in the Indonesian province of West Papua. Not surprisingly, this idea stirred concern in Australia before Jakarta dismissed the claim.
The episode was an example of Russia’s diplomatic moves in Southeast Asia, showing that its overtures in the region have been far from isolated. In recent months, moscow conducted military exercises with Laos, renewed its arms deals with Vietnam, pledged assistance in nuclear technology to Myanmar and sailed across the South China Sea.
Against a regional landscape largely shaped by American and Chinese influence, Russia’s “pivot” prompts deeper questions about its purpose, means and long‑term impact.
Ian Storey, a seasoned scholar of the region, examines moscow’s engagements with Association of Southeast Asian Nations states over the last decade in his newly-published book Putin’s Russia and Southeast Asia. the book covers historical ties, Southeast Asia’s place in Russian foreign policy within the wider Indo‑Pacific, economic and defence relations, and Russia’s interactions with ASEAN as a regional body. He also draws in country‑specific case studies, grouping states with shared characteristics, such as the Mekong continental countries or the majority‑Muslim coastal nations.
Storey argues that Russia views itself as a great power on par with China and the United States and that some regional countries regard Moscow as a useful hedging partner in an increasingly complex geopolitical surroundings.
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Why Some Nations See Russia as ‘Benign’ Despite the Ukraine War
While Western nations have largely united in condemnation of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, a significant number of countries – particularly in the Global South – maintain a more neutral or even positive view of Russia. This perception, frequently enough described as seeing Russia as “benign,” isn’t necessarily a sign of support for the war, but rather a complex interplay of historical ties, geopolitical calculations, and differing perspectives on international order. Understanding these viewpoints is crucial for effective diplomacy and building a broader coalition against Russian aggression.
Historical Context and Non-Alignment
For many nations, particularly those that were formerly part of the Soviet sphere of influence or were active participants in the Non-Aligned Movement during the Cold War, Russia represents a historical partner. These countries often benefited from Soviet aid, military support, or political alignment during thier struggles for independence or progress. This history fosters a sense of obligation or simply a pragmatic recognition of Russia’s long-standing presence on the global stage.
The Non-Aligned Movement, founded in 1961, championed a position of neutrality between the Eastern and Western blocs. This legacy continues to influence the foreign policy of many nations, leading them to resist being drawn into a new Cold War dynamic. They prioritize their own national interests and seek to maintain relationships with all major powers,including Russia.
Geopolitical Considerations and Diversification of Partnerships
Many countries in the Global South are actively diversifying their partnerships to avoid over-reliance on Western powers. They view Russia as a valuable choice partner for trade, investment, and military cooperation. This is particularly true for nations facing sanctions or political pressure from the West.
such as,countries like India and China have significantly increased their trade with Russia since the imposition of Western sanctions, benefiting from discounted energy prices and access to new markets. This economic engagement reinforces their perception of Russia as a reliable and beneficial partner.
The Role of Energy Security
Energy security is a major driver of these relationships. Many nations rely on Russia for oil and gas, and are hesitant to jeopardize these supplies, especially in the face of rising global energy prices. The disruption of energy markets caused by the war in Ukraine has only heightened this concern.
differing Perspectives on International Order
A key factor contributing to the perception of Russia as “benign” is a basic disagreement over the principles of international order. Many countries in the Global South view the current international system as biased towards Western interests and believe that Russia is challenging this perceived imbalance. They see Russia as a defender of multilateralism and a counterweight to Western dominance.
This outlook is rooted in historical grievances related to colonialism, neocolonialism, and unequal power dynamics. These nations often feel that Western powers selectively apply principles of international law and intervene in their affairs based on their own strategic interests. Russia, in their view, is less likely to impose political conditions or interfere in their internal affairs.
The Impact of Western Double Standards
Perceptions of Western double standards also play a significant role. Many countries point to past Western interventions in countries like Iraq and Libya as evidence of hypocrisy. They argue that the strong condemnation of Russia’s actions in Ukraine is inconsistent with the West’s response to other conflicts around the world. This perceived inconsistency undermines the West’s moral authority and makes it more challenging to build a unified front against Russia.
Key Takeaways
- The perception of Russia as “benign” is rooted in historical ties, geopolitical calculations, and differing perspectives on international order.
- Many nations prioritize diversifying their partnerships and view Russia as a valuable alternative to Western powers.
- Energy security is a major driver of these relationships, particularly for countries reliant
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