ASEAN and Southeast Asia in Russia’s Turn to the East

Despite their geographical remoteness, Russia and Southeast Asia have a long rich tradition of relations. However, Russia’s relations with the countries of Southeast Asia have faced various challenges over the years and have been dependent on the changes in the geopolitical context both in the region and at the global level. Against this background, the chapter analyzes the evolution of relations between Russian and ASEAN, from inception to strategic partnership and between Russia and individual Southeast Asian states. The political, economic, and sociocultural interaction between Russia and ASEAN is considered in the context of Russia’s pivot to the East.