BRICS+: Reforming or Redefining Global Governance?

BRICS+ stands at a critical crossroads, navigating the delicate balance between reforming existing global governance structures and ambitiously seeking to redefine them. At the heart of this evolution lies the dynamic between Russia and India – a relationship marked by both deep strategic cooperation and underlying geopolitical strains, Pravesh Kumar Gupta writes. In an era of heightened geopolitical flux, the post-COVID-19 global order appears increasingly fractured. The once-harmonious narrative of…

Continue ReadingBRICS+: Reforming or Redefining Global Governance?

The War of Narratives: Geography as Another Battleground

If McKinley symbolizes “greatness” for Trump, Mexico embodies many of the country’s problems. Back in 2015, when announcing his first presidential campaign, Trump declared: “When Mexico sends its people, they’re not sending their best... They’re bringing drugs. They’re bringing crime. They’re rapists. And some, I assume, are good people.” While the idea of renaming the Gulf was first floated at Trump’s press conference on January 7, 2025, it’s likely that the president had long been bothered by the reference…

Continue ReadingThe War of Narratives: Geography as Another Battleground

Diplomacy in a Multipolar World: A Return to Professionalism?

On April 21, on the eve of the International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace, which is celebrated under the auspices of the UN, the Valdai Club hosted an expert discussion titled  “The Boundaries of Reason: The Diplomat’s Work in New Realities.” The moderator of the discussion, Anton Bespalov,called the fading of traditional diplomacy in the West and its flourishing in the Global South an important element of the new…

Continue ReadingDiplomacy in a Multipolar World: A Return to Professionalism?

Programme of the 2nd “Valdai – New Generation” Conference

Programme of the 2nd “Valdai – New Generation” Conference of the Valdai Discussion Club Moscow, April 23 – 25, 2025   From April 23 to 25, the Valdai Discussion Club will host a conference for participants of its Valdai – New Generation project at its Moscow headquarters. Valdai – New Generation is a dynamic community of researchers under 35, united by their pursuit of innovative solutions to the most pressing…

Continue ReadingProgramme of the 2nd “Valdai – New Generation” Conference

Returning Spirit of Diplomacy: The Significance of the Bandung Conference Anniversary

In terms of geoeconomics, Asia has grown increasingly strategic. The emergence of China, India and other new economies like Indonesia has put Asia in a strong position to support global expansion and to encourage collaboration with African nations. The most recent development is the growing possibility of South-South cooperation through diplomacy in the spirit of the Bandung Conference. The engagement of Indonesia's younger generations will provide innovation and new perspectives.…

Continue ReadingReturning Spirit of Diplomacy: The Significance of the Bandung Conference Anniversary

From the War Against Russia to the War Against China. American vs. Russian ‘Nationalism’

Trump's Foreign and Military Policy  In a series of articles, even before the announcement of Trump's tariffs, we examined the foreign and military policy of the US President.  The contradictions in Trump's policy support the view that his goal, along with the faction of big Capital that has rallied behind him and Mr. Netanyahu, is a strategic retreat. They realise that the West is not capable of achieving the objectives…

Continue ReadingFrom the War Against Russia to the War Against China. American vs. Russian ‘Nationalism’

Does the Monroe Doctrine Work Above the Arctic Circle?

Greenland’s liberation from Danish colonial rule would inevitably lead to a new form of dependency. The United States has persistently positioned itself as Greenland’s next protector – a role its people will likely have no choice but to accept. The real question is whether Trump will accelerate this process to achieve his goals before his term ends, writes Valdai Club Programme Director Anton Bespalov. When Donald Trump first proposed purchasing Greenland from Denmark in 2019, many dismissed the idea as absurd.…

Continue ReadingDoes the Monroe Doctrine Work Above the Arctic Circle?

Russia’s Solidarity with African Countries in the Struggle against Neocolonialism

Neocolonialism is the main means by which Africa is dominated by its former metropolises and other Western countries. By supporting African countries’ struggle against modern neocolonialism, Moscow is returning to the traditions of international solidarity it inherited from the Soviet era, which in some respects were established during an earlier stage of Russian history. Neocolonialism is the main, although not the only form of Western domination in Africa. Not all…

Continue ReadingRussia’s Solidarity with African Countries in the Struggle against Neocolonialism

Consolidation of the BRICS Value Platform and Progress Towards Multipolarity

On April 8, 2025, the Valdai Discussion Club hosted a presentation of the report titled “The Evolution of the BRICS Value Platform.” The discussion was moderated by Oleg Barabanov, the author of the report and programme director of the Valdai Club, who proposed discussing what the BRICS values ​​are and how they are used in real political activity. Pavel Knyazev, Sous-Sherpa of Russia to the BRICS, Ambassador-at-Large of the Russian…

Continue ReadingConsolidation of the BRICS Value Platform and Progress Towards Multipolarity

The Middle East as Part of the ‘Global Majority’

Since the outbreak of the conflict in Ukraine, Middle Eastern countries have increasingly figured into the international agenda as mediators in the dialogue between the West and Russia. Not only do they actively participate in humanitarian initiatives, such as prisoner exchanges, but they also influence key aspects of the negotiation process. Against this background, Riyadh stands out in particular, having become the venue for the first round of high-level talks…

Continue ReadingThe Middle East as Part of the ‘Global Majority’

Future Plans: Israel’s Prospects Through the Prism of the 2025 Budget

On March 25, Israel’s legislature, the Knesset, approved the country’s budget for the current year, preventing the collapse of Benjamin Netanyahu's government. At the same time, the ratio of military to civilian spending, the attraction of funds from the Israeli Citizens Fund and a number of accompanying factors have turned the document not only into the main financial plan, but also a kind of political plan for the future, Elizaveta…

Continue ReadingFuture Plans: Israel’s Prospects Through the Prism of the 2025 Budget

ASEAN in Search of Central or Peripheral Role in the Region

The degradation of US-China relations and ASEAN’s inability to effectively cope with the most sensitive security challenges have called into question the central role of the Association and created a fundamental dilemma for the ASEAN - how to organically fit into the emerging regional and global order and not lose its relevance, writes Alexander Korolev. During the Cold War, the centre of gravity of the confrontation between the US and…

Continue ReadingASEAN in Search of Central or Peripheral Role in the Region

Russia-China: A Space of Opportunities for Joint Development

On March 31 – April 1, 2025, the Russian-Chinese conference titled "Space of Joint Development: Global and Eurasian Dimensions” was held in Shanghai, organized by the Valdai Discussion Club and the Centre for Russian Studies at East China Normal University. The event served as an important platform for discussing the strategic aspects and prospects for the development of the partnership between Russia and China. The main focus of the conference…

Continue ReadingRussia-China: A Space of Opportunities for Joint Development

Evolution of the BRICS Value Platform. Speakers

On April 8 at 15:00 Moscow Time (GMT+3), the Valdai Club will host the presentation of a new report, titled “The Evolution of the BRICS Value Platform”. BRICS has become a significant association for the leading countries of the global majority, and has attracted more and more participants, partners and observers. From the very beginning, the image of BRICS as an alternative to the West has prevailed in the perception…

Continue ReadingEvolution of the BRICS Value Platform. Speakers

Afghanistan Under the Taliban: Contrasting the Regional Strategies of Pakistan and Central Asia

The engagement of Central Asian states with the Taliban-led Afghan government has drawn significant regional and global interest. While the Central Asian republics view the Taliban as partners for economic connectivity, regional stability, and counterterrorism cooperation, Pakistan is approaching the situation from a perspective shaped by its historical ties, strategic priorities, and pressing security concerns. Pakistan, much like Central Asian states, has sought to enhance trade, regional connectivity, and security…

Continue ReadingAfghanistan Under the Taliban: Contrasting the Regional Strategies of Pakistan and Central Asia

The Asian Century and Its Implications

The BRICS+ model While the EU offers an excellent example of rivals-turned-allies, which have agreed to give up a bit of sovereignty for the sake of collective benefit, BRICS+ is one of the most underrated and perhaps misunderstood platforms of our times. The EU functionalist model could be adopted by apolitical ASEAN, and to some extent there’s room for applicability within the EAEU. BRICS+, however, belongs to a different championship:…

Continue ReadingThe Asian Century and Its Implications

The Future of NATO: Correction of Transatlantic Relations and the Umbrella Format

On March 27, the Valdai Discussion Club Conference Hall in Moscow hosted a discussion titled “The Crisis of Growth in NATO or the End of Atlantic Unity?” The event was moderated by Timofei Bordachev, Professor at the National Research University Higher School of Economics and Programme Director of the Valdai Discussion Club. He noted that now the Transatlantic unity, which gave birth to the concept of the ‘Collective West’, has…

Continue ReadingThe Future of NATO: Correction of Transatlantic Relations and the Umbrella Format

Central Asia’s Fuel and Energy: Can’t Do Without a Powerbank?

Priceless black gold The oil and oil products sector is more predictable and is unlikely to change in the foreseeable future: Russia supplies hydrocarbons to all Central Asian countries, while of these nations, only Kazakhstan has significant oil reserves (although it does not own most of the extracted oil). In 2024, oil and gas condensate production in the Republic of Kazakhstan amounted to 87.8 million tonnes, of which two thirds…

Continue ReadingCentral Asia’s Fuel and Energy: Can’t Do Without a Powerbank?

Strategic Implications and Regional Dynamics of AI on Modern Warfare for Pakistan

Pakistan’s indigenous AI capabilities, exemplified by its Burraq and Shahpar-II drones, signify its determination to counterbalance India’s advancements. These platforms, while still evolving, have demonstrated the potential to contribute to Pakistan’s broader strategic objectives. Moreover, AI’s utility in countering non-traditional threats — such as cross-border terrorism and hybrid warfare — adds another layer to its strategic relevance. Along the Line of Control and the Durand Line, AI-enabled surveillance systems and…

Continue ReadingStrategic Implications and Regional Dynamics of AI on Modern Warfare for Pakistan

Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty between Russia and Iran as a Roadmap for Cooperation

On March 24, the Valdai Club hosted an expert discussion on the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty between Russia and Iran. Moderator Ivan Timofeev described the signing of this treaty as one of the most significant foreign policy developments in recent years. He highlighted the shared interests between Russia and Iran, particularly in light of the comparable pressure both nations face from Western countries, which has laid the political groundwork for…

Continue ReadingComprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty between Russia and Iran as a Roadmap for Cooperation

Trump’s Success Expands Orbán’s Room for Manoeuvre

Until then, Hungary will have to endure growing pressure on sovereign forces within the EU, primarily targeting itself. With changes in America, the centre of gravity for progressive globalist politics is shifting to Western Europe by default, complicating the position of patriots. At the same time, Trump’s return has a clear positive effect for European sovereigntists, particularly Orbán. Good relations with the US president could not only help the Hungarian…

Continue ReadingTrump’s Success Expands Orbán’s Room for Manoeuvre

Three Years of Stress Test: Interim Results for Russia

Each party at the negotiating table holds a strong position in its own regard, and neither approaches the dialogue from a place of weakness. Each understands its interests and is ready to engage in discussions about them. It appears to be the first time in a very long while that Russia and the US are entering negotiations with such a mindset, writes Valdai Club Programme Director Ivan Timofeev. The negotiations…

Continue ReadingThree Years of Stress Test: Interim Results for Russia

Pakistan-Russia Relations in the New World (Dis)Order: Policy Options

Both Russia and Pakistan are significant in terms of their population size, but their social and economic profiles diverge sharply. Fortunately, in 2023 and 2024, the economic partnership between Pakistan and Russia moved beyond rhetoric into tangible progress. In October 2024, Moscow hosted the inaugural Pakistan-Russia Trade and Investment Forum, an event that drew over 70 Pakistani business leaders as well as representatives from more than 100 Russian companies. The…

Continue ReadingPakistan-Russia Relations in the New World (Dis)Order: Policy Options

Nuclear Disarmament. The End of History?

The ongoing negotiations between Russia and the United States on the Ukrainian issue have rekindled hopes for a return to constructive dialogue on other fronts, particularly in the realm of strategic stability and nuclear arms control. To what extent are Moscow and Washington prepared for such dialogue? What political preconditions exist, and what parameters might it take? Ivan Timofeev, Programme Director of the Valdai Club, delves into these pressing questions.…

Continue ReadingNuclear Disarmament. The End of History?

Russian-Chinese Conference of the Valdai Discussion Club and the Center for Russian Studies at East China Normal University

On March 31 – April 1, 2025, the Valdai Discussion Club, in partnership with the Center for Russian Studies at East China Normal University, will host a Russian-Chinese conference in Shanghai titled “Space of Joint Development: Global and Eurasian Dimensions.” The event will bring together over 60 experts from Russia and China, many of whom are regular participants not only in bilateral expert meetings but also in regional conferences and…

Continue ReadingRussian-Chinese Conference of the Valdai Discussion Club and the Center for Russian Studies at East China Normal University

The New ‘Reset’ of US-Russia Relations and Its Possible Prospects

Despite widespread anticipation of possible changes in US-Russia relations in the wake of Trump’s return to power, the shift has been more drastic and rapid than anyone could have imagined, writes Zhao Huasheng in the first installment of his two-part series analyzing the seismic changes in US foreign policy.  Since the Ukrainian crisis, and especially since the outbreak of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict in 2022, US-Russia relations have been on a downward spiral, a trajectory…

Continue ReadingThe New ‘Reset’ of US-Russia Relations and Its Possible Prospects

Results of the UN General Assembly vote on Ukraine in February 2025

On February 24, 2025, the UN General Assembly adopted two resolutions on the Ukrainian conflict. On February 17, Ukraine and Poland requested the resumption of the 11th UNGA Special Emergency Session, which had convened after the outbreak of the conflict in February 2022. It last met on the first anniversary of the conflict, in February 2023. In 2024, on the second anniversary, Ukraine did not request the resumption of the…

Continue ReadingResults of the UN General Assembly vote on Ukraine in February 2025

Iran’s Adaptation Strategies Under Sanction Pressures

Iran currently faces a new wave of challenges that test its strategies. The return of Donald Trump to the White House, Israel's assertive posture in the Middle East, and slow progress on domestic reforms are significant hurdles, writes Daniyal Meshkin Ranjbar. As we reach the culmination of 46 years of sustained sanction pressures against the Islamic Republic of Iran, it is crucial to examine the country’s experiences and adaptive strategies throughout…

Continue ReadingIran’s Adaptation Strategies Under Sanction Pressures

A Renewed Surge of Interest in Nuclear Energy and the Threat of an Arms Race

On March 10, a discussion on nuclear energy and the outcomes of the IAEA Board of Governors session took place at the Valdai Club in Moscow. The event was moderated by Anton Bespalov, Programme Director of the Valdai Club. Mikhail Ulyanov, Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation to International Organizations in Vienna, emphasized that the rotation of IAEA observers at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) was conducted through Russian territory…

Continue ReadingA Renewed Surge of Interest in Nuclear Energy and the Threat of an Arms Race

Three Years of Conflict: Results for Ukraine

The list of liabilities, however, is equally significant. First and foremost, Ukraine has suffered enormous human losses. Hundreds of thousands of men have been killed or wounded. The loss of human capital has been exacerbated by the large number of refugees and émigrés, many of whom are reluctant to return. Given Ukraine’s already challenging demographic situation following the collapse of the USSR – marked by low birth rates and high…

Continue ReadingThree Years of Conflict: Results for Ukraine

Syria and Azerbaijan: What Changes Are Coming After the Fall of Bashar al-Assad?

The Republic of Azerbaijan, along with its close ally, Turkey, is trying to define new relations with the new leaders of Syria. The important and long-term consequence of this development will be greater alignment between Syria, Turkey and the Republic of Azerbaijan in the South Caucasus, Vali Kaleji writes. The gradual development of relations between Syria and the Republic of Azerbaijan On January 16, 1992, the Syrian Arab Republic recognised…

Continue ReadingSyria and Azerbaijan: What Changes Are Coming After the Fall of Bashar al-Assad?

The Current Geopolitical Situation in the South Caucasus

The South Caucasus has traditionally been one of the most dynamic regions of Eurasia. As a result of the collapse of the USSR, the former republics of Soviet Transcaucasia have suffered the majority of the region’s ethnopolitical conflicts between de facto states. It was in this region that in August 2008 revised the Belovezha Accords as the key guidelines for post-Soviet demarcation, when the administrative borders between the former Soviet…

Continue ReadingThe Current Geopolitical Situation in the South Caucasus

Neighbourhood Belt: New Architecture of Foreign Trade and Financial Ties between Russia and Central Asia

Russia's economic cooperation with Central Asian countries is gaining momentum despite expectations of a decline or even a complete rupture in trade and economic relations under the influence of anti-Russian sanctions. At the same time, the sanctions pressure has opened up new opportunities for the establishment of additional sources of economic growth for partner countries, Aza Migranyan writes. Russia's economic cooperation with the countries of the Central Asian region is…

Continue ReadingNeighbourhood Belt: New Architecture of Foreign Trade and Financial Ties between Russia and Central Asia

Cooperation between Central Asia and Russia: New Horizons

Modern processes in the global geopolitical and geoeconomic space indicate that multipolarity is becoming a reality and, in this context, the entire system of international relations is being transformed, Rustam Khaidarzoda writes. The new system of international relations has already affected all countries of the world community. For example, in Eurasia, the formation of new geopolitical alliances is being completed, and new geoeconomic projects are emerging. Regions such as the…

Continue ReadingCooperation between Central Asia and Russia: New Horizons

Memories of the Future

This was the title of both the book and the film by the well-known fantasist and, perhaps, adventurer Erich von Däniken. With excessive cleverness, he claimed – and even claimed to prove – that aliens had visited Earth multiple times, exerting a profound influence on the development of humanity. Observing the current state of affairs on Earth, one might be tempted to believe in the namesake of the Russian White…

Continue ReadingMemories of the Future

Russia and Central Asia: Relations Beyond the ‘Shadow of War’

Relations between Russia and the Central Asian states are a special phenomenon in modern international politics: they are the a product of the interaction of several unique factors that do not require evidence at the conceptual level. This is not because they share a common heritage, dating back to their joint development as parts of a single state. The most important of these factors are of a more fundamental nature.…

Continue ReadingRussia and Central Asia: Relations Beyond the ‘Shadow of War’

Non-Governmental ‘Russian Houses’ in Africa: Focus on Mali and the Dynamics of Influence

Non-governmental “Russian Houses” are part of the strategy of Rossotrudnichestvo. On the one hand, they are currently becoming an increasingly important instrument of Russia's international influence, and on the other hand, they support the development of friendly countries. Recently, the number of non-governmental "Russian Houses" throughout the world has grown significantly, particularly in Africa, where they have opened in a number of cities, including Dakar, Luanda, Dar el-Salam, Addis Ababa,…

Continue ReadingNon-Governmental ‘Russian Houses’ in Africa: Focus on Mali and the Dynamics of Influence

The New Global Governance Alternative: Indonesia’s Future Scenario

It is critical to consider Indonesia's new governance agenda under the Prabowo administration and its course of action as the world order shifts from unipolarity to multipolarity. First, Indonesia's foreign policy is being reframed as 'free and active.' This term, in the context of global dynamics, signifies a pragmatic strategy, write Sellita and Joko Susilo. The authors is a participants of the Valdai – New Generation project.   It allows Indonesia to maintain independence in decision-making while actively…

Continue ReadingThe New Global Governance Alternative: Indonesia’s Future Scenario

Russia-India: An economic cooperation framework

What would be the best framework for effective Russia-India cooperation? The two countries have built a solid foundation for their cooperation, and have gone to great lengths recently to reach new heights in their relations and ensure that their regulators and institutions back these efforts. However, they have a lot of work ahead of them. It is quite obvious that the economy has come to dominate Russia-India relations. Today, they…

Continue ReadingRussia-India: An economic cooperation framework

Echoes of Wakanda in World Music: Will Africa Become a Laboratory for Unconventional Development?

The strategic future of Africa is not predetermined, and understanding the in-depth factors of prosperity and decline allows us to outline a prognostically probable and original trajectory of its renaissance, writes Nikita Ryabchenko, researcher of international relations and world development (Belarus). The author is a participant of the Valdai – New Generation project.   The future architecture of the world order is emerging around several civilisational and techno-economic centres of development. At present, the most…

Continue ReadingEchoes of Wakanda in World Music: Will Africa Become a Laboratory for Unconventional Development?