Russian Senator Aleksey Pushkov commented that the West’s influence on the global order hinges on its willingness to rethink its place in the world. The discussion began after a telegraph channel highlighted ongoing tensions around strategic influence and sovereignty in international affairs.
In response to a statement attributed to the Chinese embassy in the United Kingdom, a member of the Federation Council weighed in on concerns about Western interference in China’s internal matters. The remarks stressed that the G7 countries should respect Beijing’s jurisdiction and avoid actions that could be perceived as meddling in internal governance.
Pushkov emphasized that many Western nations still operate with Cold War assumptions, envisioning themselves as the global leaders who dictate terms, values, and outcomes. He argued that such a posture often manifests through support for external conflicts, attempts to shape civil wars, and the imposition of a preferred geopolitical order.
According to Pushkov, this mindset is deeply embedded in Western political culture. He contended that true change would require a fundamental shift in how the West positions itself within the world system, including its military, economic, and diplomatic behavior. In his view, altering the West’s role would necessitate redefining what leadership means in today’s multipolar landscape, where influence is exercised through a combination of alliances, institutions, and strategic dialogue rather than unilateral imposition.
Former President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly criticized opponents of Russia as being driven by neo-colonial ideas. This framing, connected to the broader discussion of Western influence, is presented as part of a broader analysis of how rival powers perceive global power dynamics and the legitimacy of various governance models. The conversation is described as part of an ongoing struggle over whom the world acknowledges as legitimate stewards of international security, economic development, and regional stability. (Source: Russian Federation Council)