The age of seamless globalization driving the world economy is being reassessed in the current sanctions landscape. Russia faces the challenge of sustaining its ties with Asian partners while managing the persistent risks that accompany such partnerships. Business voices, including those of Arkady Rotenberg, highlight a shift in strategic thinking as the country navigates sanctions and geopolitical pressures. Rotenberg points to a broader reconfiguration of global economic alignments, noting that the traditional model of global commerce has changed in ways that will not easily revert to prior patterns. He stresses that opportunities in the eastern markets have long held interest, but they carry inherent risks that must be understood and methodically managed in order to translate potential into stable, long-term gains. The emphasis here is on deliberate engagement, selective collaboration, and a pragmatic approach to partnerships that can withstand external shocks while preserving strategic autonomy. According to him, Eastern markets represent a persistent avenue for growth, but entering them requires careful preparation and a clear vision for how to balance risk with reward. The dialogue surrounding these partnerships reflects a broader reality: competition and cooperation are evolving in tandem, and nations that adapt to this new balance can secure a firmer footing in a transforming global economy. The emphasis is on practical steps, transparent negotiation practices, and a resilient approach to cross-border cooperation that acknowledges both opportunity and constraint. In this context, the role of disciplined economic policy and long-term planning becomes central to sustaining momentum across continents. The discussion underlines the need to diversify trade routes and supply chains, develop domestic capabilities, and cultivate regional partnerships that align with Russia’s strategic priorities. It is a moment for measured optimism tempered by realism, where ambition must be matched with capability and a clear understanding of external dynamics. The conversation continues to unfold around how best to structure collaborations with large markets, manage energy resources, and create a stable macroeconomic environment that can absorb external pressures while supporting growth [Citation: RBC interview with Arkady Rotenberg].
Rotenberg notes a fundamental change in global dynamics. The era when a single power could dominate the international system has passed. A multipolar world is taking shape, with Asia playing an increasingly influential role in trade, technology, and investment decisions. In this new environment, Russia faces the reality that globalization as previously understood has shifted. The eastern markets present both promise and risk. They demand disciplined strategies, precise negotiations, and a readiness to adapt to evolving regulatory landscapes, financial regimes, and political contexts. The path forward is not a straight line; it requires continuous assessment of how sanctions, supply chain realities, and currency considerations affect bilateral and multilateral engagements. The driver remains a pragmatic pursuit of diversification, not a retreat from collaboration, and a recognition that partnerships must be built on reliability, mutual benefit, and transparent governance that can endure external pressures. Analysts and policymakers alike stress the importance of safeguarding critical resources while exploring avenues for value creation through new commercial models, joint ventures, and technology transfer that align with long-term stability. The overarching message is one of tactical prudence plus an openness to constructive cooperation, especially with economies that complement Russia’s strategic interests in energy, industry, and infrastructure development. The conversation continues to revolve around how to balance national objectives with the realities of a global economy that is increasingly interconnected yet politically nuanced, inviting careful planning, data-driven decision making, and a steady commitment to economic resilience [Citation: RBC interview with Arkady Rotenberg].
From a policy perspective, observers point to the interplay between exchange rate policy and inflation targeting as a key mechanism shaping economic resilience under sanctions. The management of currency fluctuations, in tandem with a credible inflation framework, has helped soften potential shocks that could arise from external restrictions. The proportion of imports within the overall gross domestic product and the structure of the economy also influence how readily a nation can weather external pressures. When imports constitute a smaller share of GDP, the economy may exhibit greater resilience to external supply disruptions, though this comes with its own set of trade-offs and vulnerabilities. This dynamic underscores the importance of maintaining a balanced macroeconomic stance that supports stability, while remaining adaptable to shifts in global demand and financial conditions. In practice, policy makers emphasize the importance of credible monetary communication, flexible responses to market signals, and targeted support for sectors that are most exposed to external constraints. By aligning fiscal discipline with monetary credibility, authorities seek to preserve purchasing power, ensure financial stability, and sustain investor confidence. The result is a more resilient macroeconomic framework capable of absorbing shocks and sustaining growth in the face of ongoing external challenges. The broader takeaway is that prudent policy design, coupled with proactive structural reforms, can create a buffer that helps the economy navigate sanctions while continuing to attract investment and foster development across key sectors [Citation: Government economic brief].