Will Russia be Able to Strengthen Its Strategic Position in Southeast Asia?

 
PIIS032150750028607-9-1
DOI10.31857/S032150750028607-9
Publication type Article
Status Published
Authors
Occupation: Principal Researcher
Affiliation: Primakov National Research Institute of World Economy and International Relations, Russian Academy of Sciences (IMEMO)
Address: Moscow, 23, Profsoyuznaya Str., Moscow 117997, Russian Federation
Journal nameAsia and Africa Today
EditionIssue 11
Pages6-14
Abstract

The article analyzes the prospects of Russia’s interaction with the countries of Southeast Asia, taking into account the factor of conducting a special military operation in Ukraine. This dictates the need to consider the positions of the countries of the region towards the special military operation as a new reality in their relations with Russia. An analysis of this issue shows that the opinions of the Southeast Asian countries are divided and three groups with similar views on the new situation can be distinguished. Most countries remain neutral and do not intend to intervene in an international conflict so as not to spoil relations with Russia. This official point of view reflects the presence of pro-Russian sentiments in local societies, which gives Russia the opportunity to develop military-technical, economic and diplomatic cooperation with Southeast Asian countries. At the same time, the solution of this problem encounters a number of obstacles that limit the prospects for expanding Russia’s cooperation with Southeast Asian countries. In these conditions, the importance of using “soft power” tools to increase the attractiveness of Russia is increasing.

KeywordsSoutheast Asian countries, Russia, special military operation, strategic interests, public opinion
Received04.08.2023
Publication date23.11.2023
Number of characters27460
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