On October 5, 2023, the leading experts on global politics from Russia and around the world convened at the Valdai discussion club meeting to exchange opinions on the changes and challenges that the current international order is going through.
What distinguishes the aforementioned event from the multitude other of that sort is the new vision for the common future we all, Russia and Canada included, shall live in. Building upon the recently released Concept of Foreign Policy, Russia’s President Vladimir Putin outlined several principles to which we wish to adhere and invite all other nations to join efforts, energy and good will to build a new more equitable world order.
For the past several decades, our world has become a more chaotic and dangerous place. Whole groups of nations have lost the right direction. There have been persistent attempts to establish a mononuclear (or unipolar) world where the sole center might feel military, political, economic, cultural, moral advantage, superiority and exceptionality over the periphery. Where self-proclaimed chosen group would force the rest to live and behave according to its worldview and rules. Such approach is leading nowhere, doomed to failure and fraught with even further tension - up to a global conflict that may put the whole humankind on the brink of extinction.
Our world is far more complex and deserves far much better fate. The key to overcome these difficult times, as we see it, lies in accepting the natural state of things that our world is a concert of civilization-states that are destined to cooperate for the common good. For centuries, humanity has been shaped by civilization-states. And there are still plenty, including Russia. In its diversity each is unique but self-sufficient culturally. None is better or worse than the others, and has no right to impose anything on anyone. As well as shall not allow anyone to impose anything on itself.
On October 5, 2023, the leading experts on global politics from Russia and around the world convened at the Valdai discussion club meeting to exchange opinions on the changes and challenges that the current international order is going through.
What distinguishes the aforementioned event from the multitude other of that sort is the new vision for the common future we all, Russia and Canada included, shall live in. Building upon the recently released Concept of Foreign Policy, Russia’s President Vladimir Putin outlined several principles to which we wish to adhere and invite all other nations to join efforts, energy and good will to build a new more equitable world order.
For the past several decades, our world has become a more chaotic and dangerous place. Whole groups of nations have lost the right direction. There have been persistent attempts to establish a mononuclear (or unipolar) world where the sole center might feel military, political, economic, cultural, moral advantage, superiority and exceptionality over the periphery. Where self-proclaimed chosen group would force the rest to live and behave according to its worldview and rules. Such approach is leading nowhere, doomed to failure and fraught with even further tension - up to a global conflict that may put the whole humankind on the brink of extinction.
Our world is far more complex and deserves far much better fate. The key to overcome these difficult times, as we see it, lies in accepting the natural state of things that our world is a concert of civilization-states that are destined to cooperate for the common good. For centuries, humanity has been shaped by civilization-states. And there are still plenty, including Russia. In its diversity each is unique but self-sufficient culturally. None is better or worse than the others, and has no right to impose anything on anyone. As well as shall not allow anyone to impose anything on itself.
More and more societies all over the globe sharing this view start to realize their own true needs and opportunities. In a tightly interconnected world nations still want to be different. They want to keep and defend their identity, system of governance, own development path. And seek their fundamental, long-term interests guided not by ideological or political bias of the moment, but by deep-rooted values, geography, historical and civilizational experience.
A more equitable and just world order shall be based on the following pillars.
First, there should be an open interconnected barrier-free environment in which no one will ever try to erect artificial obstacles to communication, creativity and prosperity of the peoples.
Second, the cultural and civilizational diversity shall be preserved and serve as the foundation of universal development to ensure the well-being of the peoples and a balance of their interests. No nation or society shall be told how they should live.
Third, the world should be a place where all decisions are collective-based on the principle of necessary or inevitable representation. No one has the right to rule on its own. And decisions shall be made only at competent levels that will definitely make effective results, and involve only those who are directly affected and capable of making a significant contribution to resolving a specific problem.
Fourth, global affairs shall be free from bloc confrontation, colonial arrogance, or Cold War mentality. There shall be indivisible security, lasting peace and respect for the interests of every member of the international community, large and small alike. The security of some shall not be ensured at the expense of others.
Fifth, justice and fairness for all. Everyone should be provided with equal access to the benefits of modern development. Any attempts to limit it should be considered hostile.
And, finally, the sixth pillar is that every nation shall be equal in realizing its distinct potential. No one shall anymore submit their will and make their interests and needs dependent on anyone, especially on the richer and more powerful.
If everyone adheres to these simple principles, this will eventually ensure harmonious coexistence and creative interaction of all participants of international relations. There will be less room for conflicts. And the methods for resolving them will become more rational, because civilization-states respect one another and do not try to change anyone in their own image and likeness. Common sense shall prevail for the benefit of the multipolar world.
Source: Telegraph / Ambassador of Russia in Canada Oleg V. Stepanov
