Moscow aims to defend the emerging multipolar world order against remnants of Western domination
Offering an overview of the country’s strategic priorities beyond its borders, Russia released its updated foreign policy doctrine, signed by President Vladimir Putin on Friday. With significant implications for Moscow’s relations with key players around the world, the document will no doubt come under scrutiny in the coming weeks.
Putin explained that the need to review the document was due to “drastic changes” in the international landscape, including what Moscow has described as a “hybrid warfare” led by the West against Russia for its actions in Ukraine.
“Major threat” to international peace The updated foreign policy doctrine qualifies the “Aggressive anti-Russian policy” of the United States and its allies as a major risk to Russia’s security, as well as to international peace and the development of a “fair and balanced” future for humanity.
Russia believes that Washington and its allies seek to stop the erosion of a world order that has allowed them to enjoy advanced economic growth at the expense of non-Western nations by exploiting their resources. west “refuses to recognize the realities of a multipolar world” and aims to eliminate military and economic competition, as well as suppress dissent, the document claims.
The United States, in particular, sees Russia’s independent policy as a threat to “Western Hegemony” the new policy claims, arguing that America and its allies have launched a “hybrid warfare” against Moscow aimed at weakening Russia “in any way possible.”
Moscow calls for enhanced cooperation between all nations facing foreign pressure. Only the joint efforts of the entire international community on the basis of a balance of power and interests can provide solutions to the “the many problems of our time.”
Relations with the West Moscow does not treat the United States and its allies as adversaries, despite recognizing the threat posed by its policies, the new concept argues. He adds that “Russia does not consider itself an enemy of the West, does not isolate itself from the West and has no hostile intentions towards it.”
Moscow hopes that Western nations will realize that their policies of hostility, confrontation and hegemonic ambitions have no future and that they will eventually resume “pragmatic cooperation” with Russia on the basis of mutual respect. Russia “stands ready for dialogue and cooperation on such a basis”, the updated policy document states.
Equality for all nations Russia seeks to build a system of international relations based on reliable security guarantees and equal opportunities for all nations, regardless of size, location or military might, according to the new doctrine. Moscow insists that hegemony in international affairs must be rejected and that any interference in the internal affairs of other nations must be avoided. States must also renounce all neocolonial ambitions.
Moscow asks “broad cooperation” neutralize any attempt by nations or military blocs to seek global military dominance. The document also urges all nations to take steps to avert a global war and the risks of the use of nuclear weapons – as well as other weapons of mass destruction – by strengthening international strategic stability, arms control and non-proliferation regimes through international treaties.
Main allies Moscow believes that deeper cooperation with “sovereign global power centers” such as China and India will be of significant importance to its foreign policy, according to the new document. In particular, Russia will seek “global partnership and strategic cooperation” in all areas with Beijing and a “privileged strategic partnership” with New Delhi.
Cooperation with these nations will extend to “investment and technology links” as well as trade and security, including building everyone’s capacity to resist “destructive actions of hostile states”. Moscow strives to transform Eurasia into a continent of peace, stability, confidence and prosperity.
Global and regional cooperation Moscow believes it can find reliable friends and partners around the world, the updated doctrine says. Russia particularly regards the Islamic civilization as “friendly,” and believes that the Islamic world has “great prospects” and can become an independent and influential power in a polycentric world. It seeks to develop cooperation with all major regional players, including Iran, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and others.
Russia also stands in solidarity with Africa in its quest to occupy a more prominent place in the world and to eliminate the inequalities caused by “The Neocolonial Policies of Certain Developed States. Moscow stands ready to support the sovereignty and independence of African nations, including through security assistance as well as trade and investment, the new strategic document says.
In Latin America, Russia aims to develop relations “on a pragmatic, de-ideological and mutually beneficial basis”, as well as strengthening existing friendly ties with nations such as Brazil, Cuba and Venezuela. Moscow is also open to cooperation with any other nation willing to be constructive in its relations with Russia.
