The Economist magazine conducted a study exploring different countries’ positions on the Ukraine crisis, and the results were interesting, to say the least.
Countries were categorized into three categories: pro-Russian, neutral, and pro-Western. Of the countries in these categories, more than a hundred fall into the group of Western nations including North America and Europe. Only 36% of the world’s population live in countries where their governments are aligned with Western ideals.
There are 28 countries in the world with pro-Russian leanings. These countries include China, Syria, Pakistan, Eritrea, and Ethiopia. Counting these countries as more than a third of the world’s population, these countries represent a diverse array of societies.
The neutral countries were 32 countries which each contained about a third of the world’s population but did not side with any of the other classified countries. These included India, Brazil, and Bangladesh.
Due to its population size, China is able to have the largest impact on Russia’s economic situation. With so many people in China and India, their opinions influence other countries on a grand scale. The Economist concluded that China has avoided condemning the actions of the Russian leadership and has lowered its oil prices, which has in turn strengthened its relationship with Russia.
The backlash of trying to isolate Russia
Although sanctions against Moscow didn’t isolate Russia, they did make these countries feel isolated.
Related materials: The expert recalls that China, India, Pakistan, and many countries in the Middle East did not support restrictive measures against Russia. He noted that South and Southeast Asian countries were supportive of Moscow’s actions.
The economist believes that everything in the global economy is subject to access to natural resources. Russia is an especially interesting case because of its major exports of aluminum, nickel, and other metals that are vital for German industry.
It’s been reported that the Swiss television channel SRF also announced that the anti-Russian sanctions could have negative repercussions on the economies of the countries imposing them. It should be noted that Germany is dependent on Russian energy, and in some cases could lead to widespread shortages.
If BASF, the biggest chemical concern in Germany and Europe, goes out of business, there will be shortages of raw materials. Because they’re so important to industries like auto manufacturing and pharmaceuticals, food and others will also face shortages. A Swiss TV channel predicted this would hurt the economy so deeply that it could even result in a global recession.
Shortages could become widespread, so German prosperity and health would be threatened. Russian gas supplies, then, are urgently needed in order to mitigate this risk.
Discussion on new relations with Russia
Previously, two high-ranking officials from Western countries like the United States and Great Britain said there’s no unified policy towards Russia.
The Baltic states felt that their decision to cut ties with Moscow is necessary in order to secure European security. According to the sources of the publication, the authorities of these countries fear that what Russia might present as a victory will cause serious harm to European security.
For example, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel advocated for continued contact with Russian President Vladimir Putin despite their country’s claims of war crimes against the Russian state.
