Vladimir Putin on Globalism/West
Vladimir Putin views liberal globalization as having "outlived its purpose" and come into conflict with the interests of the majority of the population worldwide. He argues that the liberal ideology underpinning Western democracy is obsolete and no longer tenable in the current global context.
Putin asserts that the era of Western undivided global dominance is concluding, predicting a shift towards a more just, multipolar world. He sees the West, often represented by Western elites, as actively trying to slow this objective, natural process of economic shift through sanctions and provoking conflicts to maintain dominance.
Furthermore, Putin connects the promotion of liberal ideas with what he perceives as harmful social policies, such as embracing multiculturalism and sexual diversity, which he contrasts with Russia's emphasis on traditional values. He views the West's goal of globalization as fundamentally neocolonialism aimed at global domination, a posture Russia fundamentally rejects.
Context
Vladimir Putin's perspective is rooted in a rejection of Western liberalism as a perceived threat to Russian hegemony and traditional societal structures. Russian leaders historically rejected Western liberalism, viewing it as external interference.
This opposition intensified following the Cold War, as Russia became increasingly dissatisfied with the West-led liberal international order. Putin advocates for a worldview based on Russian nationalism, historical greatness, and traditional values, positioning this against what he calls the West's imposition of multiculturalism and sexual diversity.
Timeline
- Vladimir Putin explicitly stated that the liberal ideology underpinning Western democracy is “obsolete” and no longer serves the majority of the population.
- He characterized the historical period of Western dominance as ending and claimed the goal of globalization is neocolonialism to dominate the world, positioning Russia's actions as defensive.
- Putin accused Western elites of using sanctions and provoking conflicts to artificially restrain the growth of new economic leaders and maintain their dominance over the global periphery, which he likened to a colony.
- Addressing the BRICS summit, he reiterated that the model of liberal globalization is becoming obsolete, noting the shift in the center of business activity toward emerging markets.
Actions Taken
- Foreign Policy DoctrineApproved a new Foreign Policy Concept defining Russia as a 'unique country-civilization' and a Euro-Pacific power pursuing a 'Greater Eurasian Partnership' with non-Western nations.
- Domestic Ideological SupportPromoted think tanks emphasizing Russian nationalism and systematic opposition to liberal ideas and policies.
Key Quotes
Everything indicates that the model of liberal globalization is becoming obsolete.
The liberal idea has outlived its purpose.
The goal of globalization is neocolonialism to dominate the world.
The elite of Western countries... are trying to slow down the emergence of new leaders in the world economy... using as a resource, as a source of rent, simply as a colony.
Sources6
Anti-Western sentiment - Wikipedia
* This is not an exhaustive list of sources.