Multipolarity Special Edition: Dissident Former Diplomat Ian Proud on UK-Russia Relations
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Dec 19, 2024 Ian Proud, a former British diplomat with 24 years of experience, shares his insights on the complex UK-Russia relations during his tenure in Moscow from 2014 to 2019. He discusses the dramatic shift from collaboration to sanctions following key events like the Salisbury nerve agent attack. Proud delves into the historical animosities between the nations and critiques the current British foreign policy landscape, calling for a more coherent approach amidst changing global dynamics. His reflections offer a unique perspective on navigating the intricacies of diplomacy.
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Arrival in Moscow
- Ian Proud arrived in Moscow on the day the UK imposed its harshest sanctions on Russia.
- His role shifted from promoting economic relations to advising on sanctions.
UK Russophobia
- There's an underlying Russophobia in Britain, fueled by media propaganda and a lack of alternative viewpoints.
- Unlike the US, the UK lacks diverse perspectives on Russia, hindering productive discussions.
Missing Realism
- Britain lacks a realist school of thought in its foreign policy, unlike the US.
- This lack of diverse perspectives contributes to the country's one-sided, interventionist approach.