A Comparison Study of Russia’s Foreign Policy and Strategies Toward Southeast Asia During and Post the Soviet Union Era

Authors

  • Jiraporn Treewisessorn Department of History, Faculty of Social Sciences, Srinakharinwirot University, Thailand

Keywords:

Soviet Union, Russia, Southeast Asia, Foreign Policy and Strategies

Abstract

This article deals with the study discusses Soviet's relations with Southeast Asia until 1990 and Russia's relations with Southeast Asia after 1990 and provides an analysis of the factors influencing the change in Russia's relations with Southeast Asia. The study showed that historical changes in bilateral relations between Russia and Southeast Asia are one of the main factors affecting the international system. The researcher argues that Soviet behavior, leadership, and the ability to influence Southeast Asia through Communist revolutionary ideology were the reasons behind Russia's attempts to be closer to Southeast Asia in the past. During the period of the Soviet Union and after the establishment of the Russian Federation, the policy of influence on the world states and the states of Southeast Asia continued, but the elements of the strategy have changed from political and ideologically sound. After the formation of the Russian Federation, the strategy became more pragmatic and less ideological. It was more based on maintaining stability and cooperation with Southeast Asian countries and maintaining Russian influence, focusing on the balance of power between China and the United States. The emphasis was placed on cooperation not only with individual countries but also with a regional organization like the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Russia has started to turn its policy towards Asia as “ Turn to the East” to support Russia's Far East Development Strategy. New forms of cooperation are occurring such as a new focus on geographical, climatic, human point, defense security cooperation, and arms trade economy. The new situation will create opportunities for Russia to support the losing hope for the success of multilateral security institutions around ASEAN. At a time when the United States and China will pull apart, the region and influence in ASEAN formed a request for (albeit old-fashioned) multilateralism, which refers to an alliance of multiple countries pursuing a common goal in international relations. Its activity in ASEAN and in its countries will only grow and this creates additional opportunities for Russia's relatively easy influence on the elite of Southeast Asian countries. 

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Published

2019-06-26

How to Cite

Treewisessorn, J. (2019). A Comparison Study of Russia’s Foreign Policy and Strategies Toward Southeast Asia During and Post the Soviet Union Era. Thammasat Review, 22(1), 24–45. Retrieved from https://sc01.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/tureview/article/view/197653