On Friday, December 19, Rappler editor-at-large Marites Vitug will interview analyst Ian Storey about Russian President Vladimir Putin's efforts to strengthen Russia's influence in Southeast Asia. They will discuss Moscow's expanding diplomatic, economic, and military ties in the region. This reflects Russia's broader pivot toward Asia amid geopolitical shifts and Western pressures.
Russia under President Vladimir Putin has been actively expanding its diplomatic, economic, and military ties with Southeast Asian nations. Putin has emphasized closer cooperation with key partners such as Vietnam and Indonesia, and expressed interest in developing relationships with ASEAN as a regional bloc to diversify Russia's global alliances.
This engagement is part of Moscow's broader effort to deepen its presence in Asia amid shifting geopolitical dynamics and pressures from the West. In the upcoming episode of Rappler's 'World View,' editor-at-large Marites Vitug will speak with analyst Ian Storey, a senior fellow at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute. Storey is co-editor of Contemporary Southeast Asia and author of the book Putin’s Russia and Southeast Asia: The Kremlin’s Pivot to Asia and the Impact of the Russia-Ukraine War.
The interview is scheduled for Friday, December 19, at 6 pm. It will explore Russia's interest in Southeast Asia and the steps Putin could take to solidify this influence. The discussion highlights the region's growing importance in global politics.
