Great Aspirations? Examining Russia’s Role in Southeast Asia

Russia’s recent push to deepen ties with Southeast Asia—from expanded defence cooperation with Indonesia to arms, energy and security engagements across the region—reflects Moscow’s ambition to position itself as a great-power partner alongside the US and China. Drawing on Ian Storey’s analysis, the piece argues that while some ASEAN states view Russia as a useful hedging option in an increasingly multipolar order, its regional “pivot” has been more aspirational than transformative, constrained by limited economic weight, a predominantly bilateral and defence-centred approach, and uncertainties over its ability to sustain influence amid domestic and geopolitical pressures.

Learn More About It Here