Russian Political Scientist Warns: The World Is “On the Edge of an Abyss”

A top Russian political scientist has cautioned that the West might soon engage in reckless behavior as its influence continues to wane following the Ukraine-Russia conflict.

Speaking at a recent roundtable, Aleksandr Dynkin, Director of the Russian Academy of Sciences Institute of World Economy and International Relations, proclaimed that the world is teetering “on the edge of an abyss” due to a monumental power shift.

Shifting Power: The Rise of the East

The global power seat has long vacillated between Europe and the U.S., but Dynkin suggests this dynamic is set to shift. With Russia, India, and China gaining ground, bolstered by the Ukraine conflict, the “political East” is on the verge of equaling the “political West.”

India and China’s reluctance to condemn Russia’s actions in Ukraine, coupled with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Moscow, underscore this changing landscape.

The West’s Desperation and Reckless Decisions

Dynkin asserts that the West’s dwindling influence, compounded by U.S. President Joe Biden’s perceived cognitive struggles, might drive the West to desperate, reckless decisions. He draws a stark comparison to the Cuban missile crisis, suggesting we haven’t been this close to disaster in six decades.

Putin’s Diplomatic Offensive

Russian President Vladimir Putin is on a diplomatic blitz, targeting developing nations in Africa and Asia. By offering an alternative to the West, he hopes to form a new world order.

In a recent summit, Putin proposed a “Eurasian architecture of cooperation, indivisible security and development,” to replace the outdated Europe-centric models.

BRICS: A New World Order?

This October, Russia will host a BRICS summit, having recently expanded its membership. Over 30 countries, including Thailand and Malaysia, are still waiting to join.

Unlike the EU and NATO, BRICS operates with a loose framework and fewer entry requirements, offering economic benefits without demanding democracy or Western economic alignment.

Building an Anti-America Coalition

Putin is extending his anti-America coalition to include the Middle East and North Korea. A recent visit to North Korea culminated in a mutual military assistance pact with Kim Jong Un, potentially destabilizing the Korean Peninsula and alarming U.S. ally South Korea.

 

 

Western Alliances: Cracks and Divisions

Political uncertainty in the U.S. ahead of the presidential election and divisions among Western nations over the Gaza conflict are creating fractures in Western alliances. Emerging countries, despite reservations, see an opportunity to strengthen their economies and elevate their global standing by aligning with Putin.

In conclusion, as the West grapples with its declining influence, the East is poised to rise, potentially reshaping the global order.