Moscow, Feb 11 (.) Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has sharply criticised Western governments over what he termed their lingering “colonial and slave-holding superiority complex,” alleging that this mindset of elitism is what continues to shape their foreign policy, in a veiled reference to Europe, NATO, and the US.
Delivering a wide-ranging and combative address to the State Duma, Lavrov argued that their continued attachment to the outdated mentality has left them unable to contend with the ongoing changes in global geopolitics, as the world is moving away from a Western-ideology-centric world order, to a more dynamic multi-polar world.
Lavrov argued that international relations are undergoing a profound and lasting transformation, and said that the current global shifts are more than a temporary phase.
He called the changes “a new stage of international development, or maybe even a new era,” reports TASS.
He further argued that the emergence of a multipolar system is accompanied by a struggle between former Western leaders and new centres of power representing the “global majority.”
“This fight is gaining momentum, affecting almost the entire globe,” he said.
Highlighting the Russian commitment to defending its legitimate rights within this competitive environment, he said that a multipolar system would further promote a fairer, more open, and stable geopolitical world order, not bound by conventions of just one side alone.
Attacking Europe, Lavrov said that it had “completely discredited itself” in Moscow’s eyes. While noting that some European leaders were now “trying to send signals,” and improve relations, he made it clear that Russia would not initiate any outreach.
“If they come to their senses, they can contact us. We will consider their addresses, but there will be no hints or initiatives from us,” he said.
In a scathing criticism of France and Germany, he accused Paris of relying on “terrorists and Ukrainian militants” to destabilise African governments it doesn’t like, while charging Berlin with harbouring “revanchist fantasies,” claiming today’s European politicians have forgotten the lessons of Poltava, Berezina, Stalingrad and the Kursk Bulge.
Further turning his attention to NATO, he said the transatlantic organisation’s attempts to expand its influence in former Soviet states, were a source of deep concern for Moscow, noting that similar patterns were beginning to emerge in the Asia-Pacific region.
Regarding the UN, Lavrov opposed creating any additional Security Council seats for the EU, noting that this would give Europe excessive representation. He further slammed the UN Secretary General, and accused it of exceeding his authority by promoting Western policy positions.
Terming the current global landscape as one of accelerating geopolitical competition, Lavrov, in his concluding arguments, argued that Western states have yet to accept the decline of their dominance and warned that the struggle between established powers and emerging actors will continue to intensify globally. . . .