International Relations Researches

International Relations Researches

The foreign policy of Russia towards the countries of the Global South

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Jahangir Karami 1
Seyed Amir Bahador Hashemi 2
1 University of Tehran Faculty of World Studies, University of Tehran, Faculty of Law and Political Science
2 Faculty of World Studies, University of Tehran, Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran
10.22034/irr.2025.533757.2724
Abstract
The intensification of tensions between Russia and the West—particularly following the annexation of Crimea in 2014 and the war in Ukraine in 2022—has resulted in significant shifts in Russia’s foreign policy. Moscow’s dissatisfaction with the U.S.-dominated international system, along with the growing discontent of Global South countries over their marginal position in global governance structures, has paved the way for a strategic pivot toward these nations. The Global South, consisting mainly of post-colonial developing countries with increasing economic and geopolitical significance, has emerged as a critical player in international affairs. In light of this context, the main research question is: How can Russia’s foreign policy toward Global South countries be explained. The core hypothesis is that Russia, facing isolation and pressure from Western sanctions, seeks to strengthen its political, economic, and military relations with the Global South to both mitigate the impact of sanctions and promote a more multipolar international system that challenges Western dominance. This study employs a descriptive-analytical method, relying on library sources, official documents, academic articles, and an examination of current global trends to explore the scope and implications of Russia’s engagement with the Global South. Findings indicate that Russia utilizes a wide range of instruments—including military and security cooperation, arms exports, energy partnerships, and participation in international organizations such as BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization—to increase its influence. However, this approach faces significant challenges, notably strategic rivalry with China and domestic economic constraints that limit Russia’s long-term capacity for global outreach.
Keywords
Russia
Foreign Policy
Global South
International System
War in Ukraine
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