2 - Non-economic Approach in Russia–ASEAN Relations: Changes in Asia, Changes in Russia

Summary

Great changes are taking place in the post-Cold War Asia where new economic giants are emerging, as well as new security configurations. So the question of what is the place of Russia in this changing region preoccupies the minds of many analysts. We believe Russia can integrate peacefully into these configurations.

Russia has certainly gone through hard times. It has not lost its significance but its role in global affairs has changed. It was a superpower and suddenly this status has gone and it received too many signs that the country is not as important in world affairs as it used to be. And Russians are very sensitive, even over-sensitive, to the idea of status.

The disintegration of the Soviet Union was not taken easily by Russians. Many took what happened as a personal tragedy and feel humiliated. Unfortunately sometimes these feelings find its outlet in inadequate statements and actions. Xenophobia is growing, racism raises its ugly head. Attacks on people of Asian origin happen in some Russian cities including Moscow. Southeast Asians sometimes become victims too. All this is very sad and certainly does not improve the image of Russia in Southeast Asia. This is deeply regrettable and it is hoped that this spell of ill-placed feelings which some people in Russia claim to be patriotic will be over and the situation will return to normal.

The changes which have taken place are irreversible. Russia is not just the former Soviet Union minus something. It is quite a new state of political democracy and market economy. It is a new entity with a different political system and political philosophy, with new aims and goals, and even new frontiers. Yet there are many people in Russia who have not realized this yet and continue to think, write, talk and act as if nothing has happened, as if Russia is a direct continuation of the former Soviet Union.