James Kilner, the Telegraph's Russia correspondent, discusses the high-stakes BRICS summit in Kazan, revealing Putin's ambitions for a multipolar world amidst shifting global alliances. Nicola Smith, East Asia correspondent, dives into the troubling potential for North Korean troops to join the fight in Ukraine, highlighting the implications for Western Pacific security. Together, they unpack how these developments may reshape international relations and impact issues like Moldova's chaotic elections and regional security in East Asia.
Putin's efforts to forge an anti-Western alliance through the BRICS summit signify a strategic shift in global power dynamics.
The ratification of a mutual defense pact with North Korea could significantly disrupt regional security and elevate tensions in East Asia.
Deep dives
The Emergence of a New World Order
Recent gatherings of world leaders in Russia highlight Vladimir Putin's efforts to forge a new anti-Western alliance through the BRICS summit. The inclusion of numerous countries at this summit, including new members like the UAE, Ethiopia, and Iran, signifies a significant expansion aimed at countering Western influence. The Kremlin is actively promoting the notion of a multipolar world, utilizing this terminology to resonate with countries that feel marginalized by U.S. hegemony. This geopolitical maneuvering symbolizes a shift in the global balance of power, raising concerns about the potential ramifications for international diplomacy and stability.
Impact of North Korean Troops in Ukraine
The ratification of a mutual defense pact between Russia and North Korea signifies a dramatic escalation, as North Korean troops may now join the conflict in Ukraine. This collaboration is rooted in a sequence of agreements that have strengthened military ties, with North Korea potentially receiving advanced military technology in exchange for its support. For Kim Jong-un, this move enhances his legitimacy both internationally and domestically, portraying North Korea as an influential player on the global stage. The involvement of North Korean troops in Ukraine could disrupt regional security dynamics, raising alarms in countries like South Korea and Japan.
Elections as a Geopolitical Battleground
The recent elections in Moldova and Georgia serve as critical barometers of ongoing tensions between Russia and the West, with significant implications for the future of these nations. Moldova's presidential election reflected a surprisingly narrow margin in favor of pro-EU sentiments, signaling Kremlin influence that could undermine its aspirations for EU integration. Similarly, Georgia's political landscape is fraught with Kremlin-backed tensions, illustrated by the government's controversial laws which have triggered public protests and furthered divisions. Both elections are not just local votes; they are pivotal skirmishes in the broader geopolitical struggle for influence between pro-Western and pro-Russian factions.
On today's episode of Battle Lines we check in with Russia correspondent James Kilner about why dozens of world leaders are meeting in Russia and what it says about Vladimir Putin's plans for a new world order. Then we chat to East Asia correspondent Nicola Smith about how North Korean troops in Ukraine could have major implications in the Western Pacific.