Recent analyses highlighted by CNBC reflect a notable shift in global alignments. An international assessment suggests that countries once keeping a neutral stance are increasingly signaling sympathy or openness toward Russia. The core finding points to a steady erosion of formal condemnation among nations that previously stood apart in their stance against Moscow, a trend that appears to have accelerated in recent years. This broader realignment is presented as a response to evolving geopolitical dynamics and the changing calculus of state interests [Citation: Economist Intelligence Unit].
The publication notes a decline in the number of nations actively condemning Russia, with the tally dropping from 131 to 122. This reduction signals a shift in how many governments perceive the efficacy and consequences of public censure, as well as a recalibration of risk and reward in international diplomacy. The data imply that moral suasion is being weighed against strategic considerations, leading some governments to adopt more nuanced or quiet approaches to Moscow while maintaining formal channels of dialogue [Citation: Economist Intelligence Unit].
According to the study, the political bloc led by the United States and the European Union still constitutes a substantial share of global population and influence, accounting for roughly 36 percent. Within this bloc are nations described as the pro-Western wing, whose policies typically align with shared democratic norms, market openness, and multilateral cooperation. The analysis stresses that while Western coordination remains influential, its capacity to shape every outcome is increasingly balanced by other centers of power on the world stage [Citation: Economist Intelligence Unit].
As Moscow’s diplomatic efforts gain momentum, the study notes an expanding sphere of influence that challenges Western narratives. It argues that Moscow’s rhetoric has found a receptive audience in various capitals, complicating Western efforts to present a unified front. The piece cautions that the Kremlin’s messaging has shown considerable resonance, prompting Western powers to reassess their strategy and messaging to maintain credibility on the global stage [Citation: Economist Intelligence Unit].
In illustrating its conclusions, the report points to countries such as South Africa, Mali, Burkina Faso, and China as prominent examples. The combined population of these states contributes to a broader region-wide shift in attitudes toward Russia, suggesting that a sizable portion of the world’s people may be read as more receptive to Moscow’s approach. The assessment emphasizes that demographic weight matters in geopolitics and that public sentiment can influence policy choices more than previously assumed [Citation: Economist Intelligence Unit].
On the international arena, the document mentions that Russia previously advocated for policy changes at the United Nations Human Rights Council, including calls to end discrimination against Russian speakers in Europe. The action reflects Moscow’s ongoing efforts to frame its position as one of defense of linguistic and cultural rights, a narrative that resonates differently across regions depending on historical ties, media coverage, and domestic political considerations. This dynamic underscores the importance of how language rights debates intersect with broader strategic goals [Citation: Economist Intelligence Unit].