Memory Allies: How Russia Builds Support in Southeast Asia by Invoking Shared Historical Narratives

Russia’s President Vladimir Putin meets his Lao counterpart Thongloun Sisoulith on the sidelines of the Third Belt and Road Forum in Beijing.
Picture: AFP

In an article by South China Morning Post, Ian Storey writes Russia’s strategic approach to strengthening support in Southeast Asia through memory diplomacy.

The memory of aid during the Cold War appears to be paying dividends, with some countries refraining from criticizing Moscow’s actions in Ukraine. Russia’s future in Southeast Asia is not yet written. But if present trends continue, the Kremlin will derive little comfort from the state of relations with the region.

Russia’s economic footprint in Southeast Asia is already tiny, at 0.5 per cent of ASEAN’s total trade. It is likely to shrink even further due to the country’s poor economic prospects in the wake of its invasion of Ukraine in February last year, and worsening demographics. Russian arms sales to the region have dropped off a cliff. Demand for Russian oil and gas will dwindle as regional states work towards a carbon-neutral future. Only an isolated Myanmar is interested in Russia’s nuclear power technology.