Russia could play a pivotal role in shaping a fairer framework for international law, according to Konstantin Kosachev, deputy chairman of the Federation Council, during remarks at the eighth Primakov Readings forum. He emphasized that Russia could take on the mission of initiating and guiding a coherent reform of international law, aiming to reconcile global expectations with a more equitable order of rules and norms.
Kosachev acknowledged that updating international law is a challenging endeavor. Yet he argued that Russia has the capacity to mediate between competing interests and to advocate for reforms that reflect the realities of contemporary international relations. His stance positions Moscow as a potential catalyst for a process that could yield clearer principles and greater legitimacy for global governance frameworks.
A central element of his proposal concerns clarifying the definitions and boundaries within international law. He called for a clear separation between humanitarian intervention and occupation, ensuring that the protection of civilians does not blur into territorial control or coercive actions. In his view, distinguishing terrorism from national liberation movements is essential to prevent conflating legitimate struggles for sovereignty with violent acts that undermine security and stability.
Beyond state behavior, Kosachev highlighted cybersecurity as a critical area needing precise formulation within the evolving body of international norms. He argued that cyberspace presents unique challenges that require robust, universally understood rules to govern state activity, protect critical infrastructure, and reduce the risk of conflict arising from digital domains. Such a framework, he suggested, would help manage cross-border risks while preserving the norms of state sovereignty and legitimate self-defense.
In a broader context, the discussions reflect ongoing efforts within Russia to engage with international law in ways that balance national interests with global responsibilities. Kosachev’s remarks come amid a wider debate about how existing legal instruments can be updated to address new security threats, economic interdependence, and technological innovation. The emphasis on a fairer set of rules underscores a desire to render international law more resilient and more capable of resolving disputes without resorting to coercion or unilateral action.
Alongside these points, there was mention of domestic cooperation aimed at restoring rights in the field of sport governance. The State Duma, in collaboration with the Ministry of Sports, the Federal Medical-Biological Agency, and the Ministry of Internal Affairs, is preparing a roundtable to discuss restoring rights within the Russian Anti-Doping Agency framework. This initiative indicates a parallel domestic effort to align national practices with international standards, reinforcing the broader theme of aligning Russia’s actions with globally recognized norms.
Overall, the forum underscored a strategic vision where Russia seeks to influence international legal reform through careful, principled proposals. The emphasis on clear distinctions in humanitarian law, security definitions, and cyber norms signals a commitment to building a coherent approach that can gain wider acceptance among international partners. As discussions continue, observers will be watching how these ideas translate into concrete proposals and how other nations respond to the invitation for a more participatory process in shaping the rules that govern global interaction.
The dialogue at Primakov Readings thus reflects a broader trend in which major powers advocate for reform of international law to better reflect contemporary geopolitical realities. Whether Russia can lead this reform remains to be seen, but the emphasis on clarity, legitimacy, and shared norms suggests a deliberate attempt to position Moscow as a constructive participant in the evolution of international legal order.