Russia's Pivot To Asia: Issue 26

Russia’s huge trade and diplomatic outreach into the global south has continued apace this past week, with significant developments in Africa: another 7 Russian embassies are to open, while trade in energy and fertilizers continues to boom. An interesting case study on the global negative impacts of EU sanctions can be examined in our piece on Ghana. Bilateral trade with China continues to rise, with Chinese auto manufacturers having taken full advantage of the EU auto manufacturers exit from Russia in what increasing appears to have been a significant strategic mistake. The INSTC rail network continues to make inroads into India and Pakistan, while Russia’s trade with ASEAN is also producing new supply chains and increasing trade. There have also been significant developments in Iran and Turkiye which we also discuss. The week has been an archetypal showcase of Russia’s moves away from the West and into markets throughout Asia and the Global South at speeds and in depths little understood elsewhere. With best wishes! Russia’s Pivot To Asia