☢️ Russian-American relations are hitting another bottom, and now there is another NPT Review conference.
With the departure of the founding fathers of the nuclear non-proliferation regime, the need for dialogue between the nuclear superpowers is more acute than during the Cold War, writes Adlan Margoev, Research Fellow, Institute of International Studies, MGIMO.
#Norms_and_Values #NPT
@valdaiclub
With the departure of the founding fathers of the nuclear non-proliferation regime, the need for dialogue between the nuclear superpowers is more acute than during the Cold War, writes Adlan Margoev, Research Fellow, Institute of International Studies, MGIMO.
#Norms_and_Values #NPT
@valdaiclub
🇷🇺🇦🇲 On September 20, 2022, the Valdai Discussion Club and the Orbeli Analytical Research Center held a closed seminar, titled “The Middle East in the System of Foreign Policy Priorities of Russia and Armenia”.
The purpose of the second joint seminar of the Orbeli Analytical Research Center and the Valdai Club, where the leading Armenian and Russian experts participated, was to assess the nature of the main processes taking place in the Middle East, the interests and policies of Armenia and Russia, and the possibilities of strengthening regional ties, taking into account the interests of such states as Iran and Turkey, as well as the impact that the conflict in Europe has had on the region.
Let's recall that the first joint seminar was held in June 2022. Then the participants spoke about the South Caucasus and the crisis in Europe.
#Valdai_ThinkTank
@valdai_club
The purpose of the second joint seminar of the Orbeli Analytical Research Center and the Valdai Club, where the leading Armenian and Russian experts participated, was to assess the nature of the main processes taking place in the Middle East, the interests and policies of Armenia and Russia, and the possibilities of strengthening regional ties, taking into account the interests of such states as Iran and Turkey, as well as the impact that the conflict in Europe has had on the region.
Let's recall that the first joint seminar was held in June 2022. Then the participants spoke about the South Caucasus and the crisis in Europe.
#Valdai_ThinkTank
@valdai_club
Valdai Club
The Middle East in the System of Foreign Policy Priorities of Russia and Armenia. Joint Closed Seminar of the Valdai Club and the…
On September 20, 2022, the Valdai Discussion Club and the Orbeli Analytical Research Center held a closed seminar, titled “The Middle East in the System of Foreign Policy Priorities of Russia and Armenia”.
🇪🇺🇷🇺 The events in Ukraine have produced the largest political conflict between Russia and the EU since the end of the “cold war” and had profound effects on the EU policy towards Russia’s energy supplies.
It has turned a long and carefully planned separation between Russia and Europe that both sides were contemplating for quite some time into a hasty and ugly divorce in which ex-partners are trying to hurt each other as much as possible regardless of consequences and collateral damage.
In the process we have witnessed the attempts to identify and use vulnerabilities in the energy value chains by each of the opponents leading to the weaponization of energy and making it part of the ongoing proxy war between Russia and the West.
The EU policies have changed from reducing dependence on Russian energy to its complete phaseout, as soon as possible. The reality is, however, that the energy systems have tremendous inertia, and it would be a strategic blunder to think that a political directive can provide the EU with alternatives to the Russian energy by a wave of the magic wand.
The EU wants to be in control of when it stops importing Russian oil and gas, but this may not be possible, writes Vitaly Yermakov, Expert, Centre for Comprehensive European and International Studies, HSE University.
#EconomicStatecraft #EU #energy #sanctions
@valdai_club
It has turned a long and carefully planned separation between Russia and Europe that both sides were contemplating for quite some time into a hasty and ugly divorce in which ex-partners are trying to hurt each other as much as possible regardless of consequences and collateral damage.
In the process we have witnessed the attempts to identify and use vulnerabilities in the energy value chains by each of the opponents leading to the weaponization of energy and making it part of the ongoing proxy war between Russia and the West.
The EU policies have changed from reducing dependence on Russian energy to its complete phaseout, as soon as possible. The reality is, however, that the energy systems have tremendous inertia, and it would be a strategic blunder to think that a political directive can provide the EU with alternatives to the Russian energy by a wave of the magic wand.
The EU wants to be in control of when it stops importing Russian oil and gas, but this may not be possible, writes Vitaly Yermakov, Expert, Centre for Comprehensive European and International Studies, HSE University.
#EconomicStatecraft #EU #energy #sanctions
@valdai_club
Valdai Club
The Illusion of Control: Introducing Price Caps on Russian Energy Might Backfire
The energy systems have tremendous inertia, and it would be a strategic blunder to think that a political directive can provide the EU with alternatives to the Russian energy by a wave of the magic wand. The EU wants to be in control of when it stops importing…
🔕📰 Something went wrong after a fake story was published in The New York Times based on some materials that had been “declassified” by the US intelligence about Russia allegedly “buying” “millions” of artillery shells and rockets from the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) for use in Ukraine.
National Security Council Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby saying there were “no indications that that purchase has been completed and certainly no indications that those weapons are being used inside of Ukraine” contradicts with what representatives of the US State Department and the Department of Defense had to say without providing any evidence to prove their claims.
There are a number of purposes for such a move:
💢 indication of “serious problems” with the supply chains of the allied forces in the context of the special military operation in Ukraine
💢 demonstration of “effectiveness” of the US and European export controls that China supposedly complies with
💢 insinuations about Russia’s “forced” appeal to “rogue states” such as the DPRK or Iran for military assistance
💢 settling accounts with Pyongyang for its recognizing the independence of the Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics, and possible sending North Korean workers to liberated territories to rebuild civilian infrastructure
With the November midterm elections to the US Congress and significant losses suffered by the Ukrainian army, Washington continues to use dirty information warfare methods.
Clearly, if the Democrats win, the anti-Russian campaign in its various manifestations will only intensify, writes Valdai Club expert Vitaly Sovin.
#EconomicStatecraft #fakenews #infowars
@valdai_club
National Security Council Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby saying there were “no indications that that purchase has been completed and certainly no indications that those weapons are being used inside of Ukraine” contradicts with what representatives of the US State Department and the Department of Defense had to say without providing any evidence to prove their claims.
There are a number of purposes for such a move:
💢 indication of “serious problems” with the supply chains of the allied forces in the context of the special military operation in Ukraine
💢 demonstration of “effectiveness” of the US and European export controls that China supposedly complies with
💢 insinuations about Russia’s “forced” appeal to “rogue states” such as the DPRK or Iran for military assistance
💢 settling accounts with Pyongyang for its recognizing the independence of the Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics, and possible sending North Korean workers to liberated territories to rebuild civilian infrastructure
With the November midterm elections to the US Congress and significant losses suffered by the Ukrainian army, Washington continues to use dirty information warfare methods.
Clearly, if the Democrats win, the anti-Russian campaign in its various manifestations will only intensify, writes Valdai Club expert Vitaly Sovin.
#EconomicStatecraft #fakenews #infowars
@valdai_club
Valdai Club
American Fake Splash: Russia and North Korea in Sight
With the November midterm elections to the US Congress and significant losses suffered by the Ukrainian army, Washington continues to use dirty information warfare methods. Clearly, if the Democrats win, the anti-Russian campaign in its various manifestations…
⚖️ When studying the experience of Gorbachev’s leadership, people are tempted to suggest what they would have done differently.
They are sure that they would not have allowed the country to collapse, or that they would have carried out reforms with a tougher, hard-core approach.
Given this thinking, ruling a country might be likened to a sort of a computer game – something like a step-by-step strategy or even a real-time strategy. Here’s one goal and here’s the next. Here we have raw materials, factories, food, and a population. Here are our rivals, and here are our allies.
The game has several pluses. You can introduce a cheat code and receive an endless supply of money and resources. You can also save the game at a crossroads and then replay it in case of a setback. Finally, you can put it on pause, take a break, or simply forget about it. Few gamers (the majority of people in the last two generations) can maintain their initial strategy in one go without saving it at some point or using other trickery.
But politics is not a computer game. Gorbachev was destined to take on what was not a pleasant mission. Strictly speaking, he had to pay the bills and loans that had accumulated in huge amounts by the start of his rule. The need for change was obvious even to hardcore conservatives, writes Valdai Club Programme Director Ivan Timofeev.
@valdai_club
They are sure that they would not have allowed the country to collapse, or that they would have carried out reforms with a tougher, hard-core approach.
Given this thinking, ruling a country might be likened to a sort of a computer game – something like a step-by-step strategy or even a real-time strategy. Here’s one goal and here’s the next. Here we have raw materials, factories, food, and a population. Here are our rivals, and here are our allies.
The game has several pluses. You can introduce a cheat code and receive an endless supply of money and resources. You can also save the game at a crossroads and then replay it in case of a setback. Finally, you can put it on pause, take a break, or simply forget about it. Few gamers (the majority of people in the last two generations) can maintain their initial strategy in one go without saving it at some point or using other trickery.
But politics is not a computer game. Gorbachev was destined to take on what was not a pleasant mission. Strictly speaking, he had to pay the bills and loans that had accumulated in huge amounts by the start of his rule. The need for change was obvious even to hardcore conservatives, writes Valdai Club Programme Director Ivan Timofeev.
@valdai_club
Valdai Club
Mikhail Gorbachev. A Game that Wasn’t Saved and Had No Cheat Codes
Mikhail Gorbachev’s death caused a surge of debates on his political heritage. As expected, opinions were split. Negative comments focused on the Soviet Union’s dissolution, the consequences of which still affect us, for example, in the conflict with Ukraine.
🌏🌎 Some experts compare relations between Moscow and Kiev to those between the US and Cuba.
Cuba, on the one hand, sought to be at the forefront of the fight against world capitalism, and on the other hand, was closely woven into American socio-political life.
Nevertheless, there are factors that make the Russian-Ukrainian contradictions seem unlike the antagonistic relationship between Washington and Havana.
1️⃣ First, unlike Cuba, Ukraine began intensive militarisation and began to turn into a significant military player in Eastern Europe.
2️⃣ Second, in Ukraine there is an unresolved socio-cultural conflict between people with a pro-Russian identity and those who associate their worldview with the Western Ukrainian national idea. The position in power of the latter has predetermined the civil armed conflict with the East of the country.
Such a set of contradictions is rather comparable to the India-Pakistan dilemma; these nations have been at war for more than half a century over Jammu and Kashmir. Both countries emerged at the same time, when British India collapsed. For Pakistan, the emergence of statehood is directly related to opposition against India. Both states simultaneously created significant armed forces, which now include nuclear weapons. Pakistan began to build foreign policy ties with states hostile to India, trying to balance the threat emanating from Delhi.
Moscow perceived Ukraine as such an antagonist, realising that in a few years it could receive a substantial array of weaponry from NATO countries, which would be enough to cause disproportionate damage either to the Donbass region or to Russia itself.
Despite the fact that this conflict remains an armed confrontation between the two countries, it will affect the entire architecture of the world order and change the contours of Russia’s foreign policy strategy, writes Valdai Club Programme Director Andrey Sushentsov. Russia and the NATO countries will now be adversaries in the spirit of the second half of the 1940s, the time of the emerging hard bipolarity, and Europe will lose its strategic autonomy.
#ModernDiplomacy #UkraineCrisis
@valdai_club
Cuba, on the one hand, sought to be at the forefront of the fight against world capitalism, and on the other hand, was closely woven into American socio-political life.
Nevertheless, there are factors that make the Russian-Ukrainian contradictions seem unlike the antagonistic relationship between Washington and Havana.
1️⃣ First, unlike Cuba, Ukraine began intensive militarisation and began to turn into a significant military player in Eastern Europe.
2️⃣ Second, in Ukraine there is an unresolved socio-cultural conflict between people with a pro-Russian identity and those who associate their worldview with the Western Ukrainian national idea. The position in power of the latter has predetermined the civil armed conflict with the East of the country.
Such a set of contradictions is rather comparable to the India-Pakistan dilemma; these nations have been at war for more than half a century over Jammu and Kashmir. Both countries emerged at the same time, when British India collapsed. For Pakistan, the emergence of statehood is directly related to opposition against India. Both states simultaneously created significant armed forces, which now include nuclear weapons. Pakistan began to build foreign policy ties with states hostile to India, trying to balance the threat emanating from Delhi.
Moscow perceived Ukraine as such an antagonist, realising that in a few years it could receive a substantial array of weaponry from NATO countries, which would be enough to cause disproportionate damage either to the Donbass region or to Russia itself.
Despite the fact that this conflict remains an armed confrontation between the two countries, it will affect the entire architecture of the world order and change the contours of Russia’s foreign policy strategy, writes Valdai Club Programme Director Andrey Sushentsov. Russia and the NATO countries will now be adversaries in the spirit of the second half of the 1940s, the time of the emerging hard bipolarity, and Europe will lose its strategic autonomy.
#ModernDiplomacy #UkraineCrisis
@valdai_club
Valdai Club
Is Ukraine an Eastern European Cuba in Reverse?
Some experts compare relations between Moscow and Kiev to those between the US and Cuba. Cuba, on the one hand, sought to be at the forefront of the fight against world capitalism, and on the other hand, was closely woven into American socio-political life.…
🇰🇷 Last spring, the South Korean political class resumed a debate on a matter that until recently seemed to have been resolved long ago, once and for all and, accordingly, has remained off the table for several decades now. It’s about whether Seoul should withdraw from the Non-Proliferation Treaty and create its own nuclear weapons.
This matter is not yet covered in the media, but is widely discussed by diplomats, politicians and international relations analysts.
The country’s leadership is aware that developing nuclear weapons would lead to a confrontation between Seoul and the rest of the world and, most likely, to the imposition of international sanctions on South Korea, including UN sanctions. The nuclear option proponents hope, though, that their stance will find understanding with Washington, which would somewhat mitigate the impact.
Discussions about the US returning tactical nuclear weapons that were withdrawn from the Korean Peninsula in the 1990s have been going on for a long time, but they have noticeably intensified in recent months.
In addition, the desire to strengthen the alliance with the United States will mean that given the new circumstances, Seoul will spare no effort to prove its value and reliability to Washington. Unfortunately, Russia may well find itself on the receiving end of these efforts, writes Valdai Club expert Andrei Lankov.
#EconomicStatecraft #SouthKorea
@valdai_club
This matter is not yet covered in the media, but is widely discussed by diplomats, politicians and international relations analysts.
The country’s leadership is aware that developing nuclear weapons would lead to a confrontation between Seoul and the rest of the world and, most likely, to the imposition of international sanctions on South Korea, including UN sanctions. The nuclear option proponents hope, though, that their stance will find understanding with Washington, which would somewhat mitigate the impact.
Discussions about the US returning tactical nuclear weapons that were withdrawn from the Korean Peninsula in the 1990s have been going on for a long time, but they have noticeably intensified in recent months.
In addition, the desire to strengthen the alliance with the United States will mean that given the new circumstances, Seoul will spare no effort to prove its value and reliability to Washington. Unfortunately, Russia may well find itself on the receiving end of these efforts, writes Valdai Club expert Andrei Lankov.
#EconomicStatecraft #SouthKorea
@valdai_club
Valdai Club
South Korea and Nuclear Weapons Debate
Discussions about the US returning tactical nuclear weapons that were withdrawn from the Korean Peninsula in the 1990s have been going on for a long time, but they have noticeably intensified in recent months. In addition, the desire to strengthen the alliance…
👑 The funeral of Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II marks a farewell to the twentieth century.
This phrase has become commonplace in numerous comments and articles on her death. It is clear that the twenty-second year of the next, twenty-first century is underway. But the calendar’s chronology does not always correspond to political symbolism.
With Queen Elizabeth’s departure, no matter how we feel about the monarchy or Britain, an almost eternal constant has disappeared from our subconscious.
After all, it is clear that on the scale of the life of an individual, 70 years is practically an eternity, writes Valdai Club Programme Director Oleg Barabanov.
#Norms_and_Values #history
@valdai_club
This phrase has become commonplace in numerous comments and articles on her death. It is clear that the twenty-second year of the next, twenty-first century is underway. But the calendar’s chronology does not always correspond to political symbolism.
With Queen Elizabeth’s departure, no matter how we feel about the monarchy or Britain, an almost eternal constant has disappeared from our subconscious.
After all, it is clear that on the scale of the life of an individual, 70 years is practically an eternity, writes Valdai Club Programme Director Oleg Barabanov.
#Norms_and_Values #history
@valdai_club
Valdai Club
Queen Elizabeth: Farewell to the Twentieth Century
With Queen Elizabeth’s departure, no matter how we feel about the monarchy or Britain, an almost eternal constant has disappeared from our subconscious. After all, it is clear that on the scale of the life of an individual, 70 years is practically an eternity…
🇷🇺🌍 Russia has diplomatic relations with all 54 African countries, and has embassies in 49 of them.
Russia is developing a political and operational discourse based on principles that appeal to Africa: global democratization, independence and non-interference that rejects “Western-style conditionalities”, diplomatic presence in the countries but also within African regional organizations, permanent reminder of its absence in colonization and at the Berlin Conference, health support, strong media presence with the tentacular Russia Today and Sputnik, but also protection of Africa in UN bodies through its right of veto.
The singular relationship which has allowed a solid friendship to be fortified in silence, all the sincerer because it is imbued with mutual respect and consideration, writes Roger Tsafack Nanfosso, Rector of the University of Dschang, Cameroon.
#Norms_and_Values #Africa
@valdai_club
Russia is developing a political and operational discourse based on principles that appeal to Africa: global democratization, independence and non-interference that rejects “Western-style conditionalities”, diplomatic presence in the countries but also within African regional organizations, permanent reminder of its absence in colonization and at the Berlin Conference, health support, strong media presence with the tentacular Russia Today and Sputnik, but also protection of Africa in UN bodies through its right of veto.
The singular relationship which has allowed a solid friendship to be fortified in silence, all the sincerer because it is imbued with mutual respect and consideration, writes Roger Tsafack Nanfosso, Rector of the University of Dschang, Cameroon.
#Norms_and_Values #Africa
@valdai_club
Valdai Club
The Foundations of Russafrica
Russafrica is a neologism that should serve to account for and do justice to a plural and dynamic but little-known cooperation. In order to understand this cooperation, we must question its foundations. There are many of them, including historical, economic…
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💰 How are gold and foreign exchange reserves organised?
Central banks and governments accumulate special assets called gold and foreign exchange reserves, or gold reserves. These resources are used as an emergency way to cushion financial market turmoil.
👉 See our videoinfographic to find out what international reserves includes, which countries have more of them and in what cases they use them.
#valdai_infographics #gold #foreignexchange
@valdaiclub
Central banks and governments accumulate special assets called gold and foreign exchange reserves, or gold reserves. These resources are used as an emergency way to cushion financial market turmoil.
👉 See our videoinfographic to find out what international reserves includes, which countries have more of them and in what cases they use them.
#valdai_infographics #gold #foreignexchange
@valdaiclub
🇧🇷🇷🇺🇮🇳🇨🇳🇿🇦 One of the ways to picture the uniqueness of BRICS geography is the sheer distance that separates its members.
If the distance were to be measured on the basis of the separation between the respective capitals, then the greatest distance among the two BRICS economies would be between Brazil and China — nearly 17000 km. The distance between Russia and Brazil is nearly 11700 km. These distances are several times higher than the longest separations of capitals within the EU (Warsaw-Lisbon separation is 2760 km) and still notably greater than the most extreme spatial separations in the developed world (London-Canberra is 10545 km and the New York — Canberra route is just over 10000 km).
But perhaps the most important common feature among the BRICS economies is that they serve as crucial regional hubs for their continental neighbors, particularly developing landlocked economies. Indeed, each BRICS economy neighbors several landlocked developing economies — in many cases these are some of the largest landlocked economies in the world.
The enormous intra-continental distances for BRICS can become an asset and an opportunity-set for advancing South-South cooperation through connectivity projects, writes Yaroslav Lissovolik, Programme Director of the Valdai Discussion Club.
#Valdai_WorldEconomy #BRICS
@valdai_club
If the distance were to be measured on the basis of the separation between the respective capitals, then the greatest distance among the two BRICS economies would be between Brazil and China — nearly 17000 km. The distance between Russia and Brazil is nearly 11700 km. These distances are several times higher than the longest separations of capitals within the EU (Warsaw-Lisbon separation is 2760 km) and still notably greater than the most extreme spatial separations in the developed world (London-Canberra is 10545 km and the New York — Canberra route is just over 10000 km).
But perhaps the most important common feature among the BRICS economies is that they serve as crucial regional hubs for their continental neighbors, particularly developing landlocked economies. Indeed, each BRICS economy neighbors several landlocked developing economies — in many cases these are some of the largest landlocked economies in the world.
The enormous intra-continental distances for BRICS can become an asset and an opportunity-set for advancing South-South cooperation through connectivity projects, writes Yaroslav Lissovolik, Programme Director of the Valdai Discussion Club.
#Valdai_WorldEconomy #BRICS
@valdai_club
Valdai Club
The dimensions of BRICS geography
Harnessing continental distance for the developing economies may be the single most important mission for BRICS and the New Development Bank (NDB) in the coming decades. The BRICS+ framework offers a platform to scale up investment cooperation through bringing…
🌏🌍 Can the non-West consolidate?
The firm internal consolidation among Western countries has become one of the distinctive features of the new geopolitical reality that has taken shape since February 24. It formed in response to the direct confrontation with Russia, and this political target, at least for the time being, prevails over the economic difficulties for these countries caused by the anti-Russia sanctions introduced by them and as well as by the potential for national discord. All these countries are acting as a united front and speaking in one voice, with few nuances.
It would be appropriate to ask in this context whether such consolidation is possible among non-Western countries? As we have already emphasised before, one of the main geopolitical results of the initial months of the Ukrainian conflict was that the overwhelming majority of non-Western countries did not directly join the West’s anti-Russia sanctions. These countries took a much more restrained and neutral position on this issue. So, Russia’s global denunciation and isolation did not happen.
Not only that, in the last few months, several countries simultaneously expressed their desire to join BRICS. Apparently, the conflict in Ukraine was a factor. This process is very revealing, considering that BRICS is a symbol of the collective non-West at the global level. Similar processes are taking place as regards the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) at the regional level.
Having decided to cast a direct military-political challenge to the West, Russia must demonstrate to all its non-Western partners that it was a successful, effective choice. How they perceive us will directly depend on the success of Russia’s actions in the conflict, not on half measures or dubious deal-making, writes Valdai Club Programme Director Oleg Barabanov.
#Norms_and_Values #NonWest #WorldOrder #BRICS #SCO
@valdai_club
The firm internal consolidation among Western countries has become one of the distinctive features of the new geopolitical reality that has taken shape since February 24. It formed in response to the direct confrontation with Russia, and this political target, at least for the time being, prevails over the economic difficulties for these countries caused by the anti-Russia sanctions introduced by them and as well as by the potential for national discord. All these countries are acting as a united front and speaking in one voice, with few nuances.
It would be appropriate to ask in this context whether such consolidation is possible among non-Western countries? As we have already emphasised before, one of the main geopolitical results of the initial months of the Ukrainian conflict was that the overwhelming majority of non-Western countries did not directly join the West’s anti-Russia sanctions. These countries took a much more restrained and neutral position on this issue. So, Russia’s global denunciation and isolation did not happen.
Not only that, in the last few months, several countries simultaneously expressed their desire to join BRICS. Apparently, the conflict in Ukraine was a factor. This process is very revealing, considering that BRICS is a symbol of the collective non-West at the global level. Similar processes are taking place as regards the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) at the regional level.
Having decided to cast a direct military-political challenge to the West, Russia must demonstrate to all its non-Western partners that it was a successful, effective choice. How they perceive us will directly depend on the success of Russia’s actions in the conflict, not on half measures or dubious deal-making, writes Valdai Club Programme Director Oleg Barabanov.
#Norms_and_Values #NonWest #WorldOrder #BRICS #SCO
@valdai_club
Valdai Club
Can the Non-West Consolidate?
Having decided to cast a direct military-political challenge to the West, Russia must demonstrate to all its non-Western partners that it was a successful, effective choice. How they perceive us will directly depend on the success of Russia’s actions in the…
⛔️⛽️ G7 countries are working hard to coordinate a sanctions regime to cap prices on Russian oil and oil products.
The United States is already drafting a mechanism for applying these sanctions, which its allies and partners will use as a guideline. The new sanctions in the form of legal arrangements are expected to be formalised very soon.
❓How will this mechanism work, and what consequences can this lead to?
📝 Writes Valdai Club Programme Director Ivan Timofeev.
#EconomicStatecraft #oil #sanctions
@valdai_club
The United States is already drafting a mechanism for applying these sanctions, which its allies and partners will use as a guideline. The new sanctions in the form of legal arrangements are expected to be formalised very soon.
❓How will this mechanism work, and what consequences can this lead to?
📝 Writes Valdai Club Programme Director Ivan Timofeev.
#EconomicStatecraft #oil #sanctions
@valdai_club
Valdai Club
Price Cap on Russian Oil: The Mechanism and Its Consequences
It is time for Russia to start thinking about adjusting to the Western restrictions, including by developing its own tanker fleet and abandoning the US dollar in oil deals. The latter is the prevalent task of Russia’s foreign trade in the new political conditions…
🇧🇷🇷🇺🇮🇳🇨🇳🇿🇦 BRICS countries are among the largest in the world by territory. They are divided by great distances.
We created an infographic on #BRICS geography.
📝 The enormous intra-continental distances for BRICS can become an asset and an opportunity-set for advancing South-South cooperation through connectivity projects, writes Yaroslav Lissovolik, Programme Director of the Valdai Discussion Club.
#valdai_infographics
@valdaiclub
We created an infographic on #BRICS geography.
📝 The enormous intra-continental distances for BRICS can become an asset and an opportunity-set for advancing South-South cooperation through connectivity projects, writes Yaroslav Lissovolik, Programme Director of the Valdai Discussion Club.
#valdai_infographics
@valdaiclub
📆 ANNOUNCEMENT: On September 29 at 11:00 a.m. Moscow Time, the Valdai Club, together with the CITIC Foundation for Reform and Development Studies of China, will host an expert discussion, titled “Prospects and main directions for the expansion of the BRICS and SCO”.
The year of China’s presidency in the BRICS gave a powerful impetus to the development of the BRICS+ format and the interaction of the “five” countries with other developing countries. In June 2022, countries such as Algeria, Argentina and Iran applied to join BRICS. Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Turkey announced plans to apply in a similar way, which indicates the growing attractiveness of the association in the global economy.
The SCO has also demonstrated significant dynamism in development: during 2022, the number of developing countries that have stepped up their cooperation with the members of the association has significantly increased. At the summit in Samarkand, the procedure for admitting Iran to the organisation was completed and the status of dialogue partner was granted to Egypt, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. Belarus has applied to join the SCO as a full member. The SCO is positioned as the main element in the assembly of the integration platform of the developing countries of Eurasia.
❓What are the prospects for the BRICS+ format?
❓What are the main directions for the expansion of the SCO in the coming years?
❓Are there opportunities to link the BRICS+ and SCO projects?
Leading Russian and Chinese experts will answer these and many other questions.
👥 Speakers:
🇨🇳 Wang Xiangxuei, Deputy Secretary General of the CITIC Foundation for Reform and Development Studies of China
🇨🇳 Wang Xiaoquan, Executive Director of the Center for Strategic Cooperation Between China and Russia at the CITIC Foundation for Reform and Development Studies of China
🇷🇺 Ekaterina Arapova, Director, Senior Research Fellow, Sanctions Policy Expertise Center, Institute of International Studies, MGIMO University
🇷🇺 Kirill Babaev, Acting Director of the Institute of China and Modern Asia of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Dean of the Faculty of International Economic Relations of the Financial University Under the Government of the Russian Federation
🇷🇺 Pavel Knyazev, Ambassador-at-Large of the Russian Foreign Ministry, Sous-Sherpa of Russia in BRICS
🇷🇺 Yaroslav Lissovolik, Programme director of the Valdai Discussion Club
Moderator:
🚩 Andrey Sushentsov, Programme Director of the Valdai Discussion Club.
Working languages: Russian, Chinese.
ℹ️ Information for the media: In order to get accredited for the event, please fill out the form on our website or call +79269307763.
A link to the live broadcast of the discussion will be posted on all online platforms of the Valdai Club: on the website, Twitter, VKontakte, Telegram and Yandex.Zen.
@valdai_club
The year of China’s presidency in the BRICS gave a powerful impetus to the development of the BRICS+ format and the interaction of the “five” countries with other developing countries. In June 2022, countries such as Algeria, Argentina and Iran applied to join BRICS. Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Turkey announced plans to apply in a similar way, which indicates the growing attractiveness of the association in the global economy.
The SCO has also demonstrated significant dynamism in development: during 2022, the number of developing countries that have stepped up their cooperation with the members of the association has significantly increased. At the summit in Samarkand, the procedure for admitting Iran to the organisation was completed and the status of dialogue partner was granted to Egypt, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. Belarus has applied to join the SCO as a full member. The SCO is positioned as the main element in the assembly of the integration platform of the developing countries of Eurasia.
❓What are the prospects for the BRICS+ format?
❓What are the main directions for the expansion of the SCO in the coming years?
❓Are there opportunities to link the BRICS+ and SCO projects?
Leading Russian and Chinese experts will answer these and many other questions.
👥 Speakers:
🇨🇳 Wang Xiangxuei, Deputy Secretary General of the CITIC Foundation for Reform and Development Studies of China
🇨🇳 Wang Xiaoquan, Executive Director of the Center for Strategic Cooperation Between China and Russia at the CITIC Foundation for Reform and Development Studies of China
🇷🇺 Ekaterina Arapova, Director, Senior Research Fellow, Sanctions Policy Expertise Center, Institute of International Studies, MGIMO University
🇷🇺 Kirill Babaev, Acting Director of the Institute of China and Modern Asia of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Dean of the Faculty of International Economic Relations of the Financial University Under the Government of the Russian Federation
🇷🇺 Pavel Knyazev, Ambassador-at-Large of the Russian Foreign Ministry, Sous-Sherpa of Russia in BRICS
🇷🇺 Yaroslav Lissovolik, Programme director of the Valdai Discussion Club
Moderator:
🚩 Andrey Sushentsov, Programme Director of the Valdai Discussion Club.
Working languages: Russian, Chinese.
ℹ️ Information for the media: In order to get accredited for the event, please fill out the form on our website or call +79269307763.
A link to the live broadcast of the discussion will be posted on all online platforms of the Valdai Club: on the website, Twitter, VKontakte, Telegram and Yandex.Zen.
@valdai_club
Valdai Club
The Valdai Club and the CITIC Foundation to Discuss the Expansion of the BRICS and SCO
On September 29 at 11:00 a.m. Moscow Time, the Valdai Club, together with the CITIC Foundation for Reform and Development Studies of China, will host an expert discussion, titled “Prospects and main directions for the expansion of the BRICS and SCO”.
Valdai Discussion Club pinned «📆 ANNOUNCEMENT: On September 29 at 11:00 a.m. Moscow Time, the Valdai Club, together with the CITIC Foundation for Reform and Development Studies of China, will host an expert discussion, titled “Prospects and main directions for the expansion of the BRICS…»
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🎥 Ramzy Ezzeldin Ramzy: Syrian People Deserve to Live in Peace
Ramzy Ezzeldin Ramzy, Deputy Special Envoy for Syria of the United Nations (2014-2019), discusses the agenda for post-conflict Syria.
He points out that the constitutional reform is the most important issue, which Syrians themselves have to deal with. According to him, stability in the country is significant for the entire region.
He also underlines the role of Russia in the conflict resolution, due to the fact that it could communicate with all the parties involved.
#Syria
@valdai_club
Ramzy Ezzeldin Ramzy, Deputy Special Envoy for Syria of the United Nations (2014-2019), discusses the agenda for post-conflict Syria.
He points out that the constitutional reform is the most important issue, which Syrians themselves have to deal with. According to him, stability in the country is significant for the entire region.
He also underlines the role of Russia in the conflict resolution, due to the fact that it could communicate with all the parties involved.
#Syria
@valdai_club
🇸🇾 With the special operation in Ukraine, Syria’s strategic importance for Moscow has increased.
Prior to the Ukraine conflict, Washington would have been prepared - under certain conditions- to reach a deal on a settlement in Syria. Now, however, matters have changed.
Clearly the conflict in Ukraine has cast its shadow on the situation in Syria. An understanding between Washington and Moscow was always a critical ingredient for a settlement. At present, both nations are engaged in a conflict that far outweighs the advantages of reaching an agreement on in any regional conflict, including Syria.
For Moscow, the conflict in Ukraine has existential implications. For Washington, it has consequences for the leadership role in the evolving international system it aspires to maintain.
As long as the conflict in Ukraine persists, Washington would probably prefer that there is no rapid settlement in Syria, so Moscow would continue to be, at least, partially distracted, writes Ramzy Ezzeldin Ramzy, Deputy Special Envoy for Syria of the United Nations (2014-2019).
#ModernDiplomacy #Syria
@valdaiclub
Prior to the Ukraine conflict, Washington would have been prepared - under certain conditions- to reach a deal on a settlement in Syria. Now, however, matters have changed.
Clearly the conflict in Ukraine has cast its shadow on the situation in Syria. An understanding between Washington and Moscow was always a critical ingredient for a settlement. At present, both nations are engaged in a conflict that far outweighs the advantages of reaching an agreement on in any regional conflict, including Syria.
For Moscow, the conflict in Ukraine has existential implications. For Washington, it has consequences for the leadership role in the evolving international system it aspires to maintain.
As long as the conflict in Ukraine persists, Washington would probably prefer that there is no rapid settlement in Syria, so Moscow would continue to be, at least, partially distracted, writes Ramzy Ezzeldin Ramzy, Deputy Special Envoy for Syria of the United Nations (2014-2019).
#ModernDiplomacy #Syria
@valdaiclub
Valdai Club
Syria and the Regional Restructuring
When the Syrian crisis erupted in March 2011, Syria was one of the top performers in attaining the UN Millennium Goals. Regrettably, the Syrian peoples’ desire for a better life of freedom and dignity quickly morphed into a proxy regional war, sustained by…
⏰ TODAY at 11:00 a.m. Moscow Time, the Valdai Club, together with the CITIC Foundation for Reform and Development Studies of China, will host an expert discussion, titled “Prospects and main directions for the expansion of the BRICS and SCO”.
❓What are the prospects for the BRICS+ format?
❓What are the main directions for the expansion of the SCO in the coming years?
❓Are there opportunities to link the BRICS+ and SCO projects?
Leading Russian and Chinese experts will answer these and many other questions.
A link to the live broadcast of the discussion will be posted on all online platforms of the Valdai Club: on the website, Twitter, VKontakte, Telegram and Yandex.Zen.
@valdai_club
❓What are the prospects for the BRICS+ format?
❓What are the main directions for the expansion of the SCO in the coming years?
❓Are there opportunities to link the BRICS+ and SCO projects?
Leading Russian and Chinese experts will answer these and many other questions.
A link to the live broadcast of the discussion will be posted on all online platforms of the Valdai Club: on the website, Twitter, VKontakte, Telegram and Yandex.Zen.
@valdai_club
UPD: The livestream is over. The video of the discussion is available via the same link. Stay tuned!
🎥 LIVE: at 11:00 a.m. Moscow Time we are starting an expert discussion, titled “Prospects and main directions for the expansion of the BRICS and SCO”, together with the CITIC Foundation for Reform and Development Studies of China.
https://vk.com/video-214192832_456239031
@valdai_club
🎥 LIVE: at 11:00 a.m. Moscow Time we are starting an expert discussion, titled “Prospects and main directions for the expansion of the BRICS and SCO”, together with the CITIC Foundation for Reform and Development Studies of China.
https://vk.com/video-214192832_456239031
@valdai_club
Vk
LIVE: Expansion of the BRICS and SCO. An Expert Discussion (In Chinese)
On September 29 at 11:00 a.m. Moscow Time, the Valdai Club, together with the CITIC Foundation for Reform and Development Studies of China, will host an expert discussion, titled “Prospects and main directions for the expansion of the BRICS and SCO”. More:…
Valdai Discussion Club pinned «UPD: The livestream is over. The video of the discussion is available via the same link. Stay tuned! 🎥 LIVE: at 11:00 a.m. Moscow Time we are starting an expert discussion, titled “Prospects and main directions for the expansion of the BRICS and SCO”, together…»