Russia: a major player on a new international stage

The BRICS summit in Kazan, a powerful symbol of power

The 16th BRICS summit took place in Kazan, Russia, from October 22 to 24, 2024. This economic alliance, launched in 2009, has since expanded under the name BRICS+. It now includes nine countries: Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Iran, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, and Ethiopia, set to join in 2024. Under South Africa’s presidency, the group wields significant political and economic influence. By some measures, it rivals the G7, attracting interest from thirty nations, from Serbia in Europe to Gabon in Africa and Venezuela in Central America.The summit poses a major challenge for Putin. Shunned by Europeans and Americans, he must prove he is not isolated and still wields power and influence on the global stage.

Kazan as a showcase for a new, innovative Russia

The city of Kazan, on the banks of the Volga River in Russia, was not chosen by chance. 

Kazan serves as a modern, innovative showcase for Russia. Hosting events like the BRICS summit, it diversifies Russia’s image. The city has heavily invested in advanced infrastructure. It features state-of-the-art facilities and a high-performance digital network. Intelligent technologies improve security, transport, and logistics. Kazan is a leader in digital transformation. Its ecosystem of research centers and tech startups attracts top talent. Companies are drawn to its thriving university collaborations. This strengthens Russia’s technological edge. The city boosts global influence in innovation and supports economic diversification. Kazan emphasizes sustainable development and digital growth. Strategically chosen, Kazan projects modernity and global engagement. BRICS initiatives foster international cooperation and collaborative projects. This enhances Russia’s influence within the BRICS.

Kazan contributes to global digital transformation. It symbolizes a forward-thinking Russia. The city showcases modernization and international influence beyond Europe.

An important alliance for Putin’s credibility

The BRICS summit in Kazan is proving to be of strategic importance, with Russia acting as a regional mediator. 

The main issue at the summit remains Russia’s diplomatic isolation. However, by bringing together nations such as China, India, Iran, and Turkey, Kazan symbolizes Russia’s desire to diversify alliances. Thus, the meeting demonstrates Russia’s success in strengthening ties with key countries, despite Western sanctions. Moreover, it highlights Russia’s aim to position BRICS as a counterweight to U.S. and EU dominance, both economically and diplomatically.

Another crucial point was the diplomatic thaw between India and China. Although marked by rivalry, their relations are improving. By facilitating this rapprochement, Russia reinforces its mediating role in the Asia-Pacific region. Consequently, this dialogue could influence regional security, infrastructure, and major initiatives like China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). For Russia, bringing these two giants closer enhances its position in managing geopolitical tensions. In addition, it strengthens Moscow’s relations with both nations.

Finally, this summit illustrates Russia’s determination to lead in global digital and technological transformation. Therefore, by promoting its model of economic development and modern infrastructure, Russia aims to secure its place in a multipolar world. In this context, Kazan serves as a nerve center for innovation and diplomacy, symbolizing Russia’s global ambitions.

New strategic partners to counter to counter Western sanctions

The war in Ukraine

Since the start of the war in Ukraine, Russia has faced numerous economic and diplomatic sanctions. Indeed, many countries, primarily European and American, aim to isolate Russia and limit its military capabilities. Notably, there is a ban on the export of advanced technologies and essential electronic components, especially for aviation and defense. Moreover, several Russian banks have been excluded from the SWIFT international banking system. Consequently, this has disrupted Russia’s financial transactions and further isolated its economy.

In addition, Western countries have imposed an embargo on energy imports from Russia. Therefore, Moscow’s access to its main sources of revenue has been significantly reduced. Furthermore, targeted sanctions have been applied to Russian figures close to the Kremlin, including Vladimir Putin and key oligarchs. As a result, their assets abroad have been frozen, and travel bans have been enforced.

These sanctions have had a significant impact on the Russian economy. However, Moscow has responded by seeking to strengthen alliances. Notably, it has turned to North Korea and other nations to circumvent these pressures. Thus, Russia is working to diversify its international partnerships.

The enemy of my enemy is my friends

The strategic alliance between Russia and North Korea: a rapprochement in the face of Western sanctions.

Since the start of the war in Ukraine, Russia has actively sought to strengthen its alliances with countries that share a similar stance on the global stage, particularly in opposition to Western sanctions. A notable example of this strategy is the defense agreement ratified in November 2024 between Russia and North Korea. This agreement commits both nations to immediate and reciprocal military cooperation if either is attacked, while also emphasizing a united front against international sanctions imposed by Western powers.

For North Korea, long isolated by the global community due to its nuclear ambitions, Russia represents a crucial ally capable of challenging the influence of the United States and the European Union. This partnership highlights a convergence of interests: Russia aims to counteract its own diplomatic isolation, while North Korea secures military and diplomatic backing. As a result, this alliance not only consolidates their common front against external pressures but also provides Russia with access to strategic resources, reinforcing its geopolitical influence in a shifting global landscape.

The growing partnership between Russia and Iran focuses on enhanced military and energy collaboration.

Alongside its rapprochement with North Korea, Russia has also strengthened its ties with Iran. Indeed, this key partnership is central to Russia’s strategy of diversifying alliances. This already solid cooperation has intensified over recent years, particularly in defense and energy sectors. Like Russia, Iran is also under international sanctions. As a result, both countries find strategic value in collaborating to bypass restrictions imposed by the USA and the EU.

Russia benefits from access to Iranian energy resources, including oil and gas. Additionally, military cooperation has increased, especially in Syria, where both nations support Bashar al-Assad’s regime. The defense agreement between them includes transfers of military technology and joint exercises. Consequently, this boosts Russia’s capacity to project power in the Middle East.

Moreover, this partnership involves mutual support within the UN. Both countries often exchange common positions, opposing Western hegemony. Thus, this strategic alliance allows Russia to extend its influence in a crucial region. At the same time, it continues to challenge the US-dominated international order.

In conclusion, the war in Ukraine has drastically transformed Russia’s international relations. Isolated from Western countries, Russia has accelerated efforts to forge new alliances, notably with North Korea. Economic and diplomatic sanctions from the United States and the European Union have put Russia under significant pressure. Consequently, Moscow has sought strategic partnerships to maintain its influence and diversify its support base. In this context, increased cooperation with North Korea and stronger ties with Iran underscore Russia’s commitment to aligning with regimes opposed to the Western-dominated order.

Simultaneously, Russia is deepening its relations with Africa, a key continent for diversifying partnerships. By providing military aid, economic support, and investing in infrastructure, Russia aims to boost its influence there. This southward expansion through political and commercial engagements allows Russia to offset losses from Western isolation. Thus, it asserts its geopolitical presence at a pivotal moment in its history.