Стр. 6 - V

Author : S. Filatov
Commentator for International Affairs
TURBULENT DEVELOPMENTS in the
middle of the second decade of the 21st cen-
tury have demonstrated a phenomenon that is
very significant for Russia and that one would
have been somewhat embarrassed to write or
talk about in the past but can and should today
because the times have changed. Namely, these
developments make it clear that Russia has prac-
tically no loyal, staunch allies that would firmly
take our side in the event of a serious interna-
tional crisis or - God forbid - a great war. Re-
spectful as we are of our partners in various international organizations, we have to admit that,
while they have major economic interests, they would hardly ever want to come up with more
serious solidarity. We have it in our blood to help those who have been wronged, but it's different
in other places, where one chiefly pursues one's own interest. No offense intended - it's just the
way the world runs.
But it highlights the importance of unity for the Russian diaspora, the Russian world outside
Russia, the millions of people who remember that Russia is their national home.
The Fifth World Congress of Compatriots Living Abroad, held in Moscow on November 5-6,
2015, highlighted new aspects of this hard work among the millions of people throughout the
world who consider themselves part of the family of Russian compatriots, part of the Russian
World. The title of this article, "The Russian World Means a State of Heart and Mind," is a quote
from what one of the speakers said from the congress platform.
Interview-hungry reporters were hunting for participants, and I was quick enough to dive into
that whirlpool as well. I was fortunate to be able to talk to some interesting delegates, which
gave me better understanding of what was happening. Here's what I was able to hear from some
of them.
Russia's increasing global influence impacts different parts of the world in different ways de-
pending on how far they are located from Russia. In more remote countries, it stirs interest in
Russia, and consequently greater respect for local ethnic Russian communities. In neighboring
countries, it gives problems to local elites, who have increasing fears of Russia, and these fears
result in pressures on our movement, which is seen as Russia's fifth column.
In conclusion, let me say a few words about the speech at the congress of the newly elected
chairman of the World Coordination Council of Russian Compatriots Living Abroad, Mikhail
Drozdov. Drozdov urged the diaspora movement to try to define "the place of compatriots in
the changed world" and to think how "to make the Russian diaspora a factor of power."
Электронное приложение к журналу «Международная жизнь»
"The Russian World Means a State of Heart and Mind"