Putin Outlines Six ‘Principles’ of His ‘Russian World’

Paul Goble

            Staunton, Oct. 6 – Speaking at the Valdai Club this year – his 20^th appearance before the group – Vladimir Putin spoke at length about his commitment to ensuring that the Russian world he has talked about so much in recent times as a distinct civilization and the basis of Russian identity.

            In his speech, he listed what Nezavisimaya Gazeta has called his “six principles” for that civilization (ng.ru/politics/2023-10-05/3_8845_forum.html). They include the following:

1.     We want to live in an open, interconnected world.

2.     We want the diversity of the world to be the foundation for universal development.

3.     No one has the right to rule the world for or behalf of others.

4.     We are for universal security and lasting peace, build on respect for the interests of all.

5.     The era of exploitation of anyone by anyone else is in the past.

6.     We are for equality that allows for recognition of differences in the potential of different countries.

 

          Like so many of Putin’s statements, this one contains words that many would find unexceptional but that are in stark contrast to his own actions.