On April 18, the Valdai Club hosted an expert discussion titled “70 Years On: The Legacy of Bandung”.
Seventy years ago, on April 18, 1955, the Bandung Conference was held in Indonesia. It became a key event in world politics, when the newly independent states of Asia and Africa were able to openly declare their interests and priorities, formulate the values and principles of their approach to international affairs, and reflect upon the fight against colonialism and neocolonialism.
The “Spirit of Bandung” subsequently had a serious impact on the international political subjectivity of developing countries, and contributed to the creation of the Non-Aligned Movement. The Soviet Union actively supported the countries of the Global South in their fight against colonialism. In many ways, the economic and political support of the USSR became a significant resource in the formation and strengthening of the positions of these countries. The 70th anniversary of the Bandung Conference is an important event for Indonesia, Russia and the entire non-Western world. The anniversary is of particular importance for the activities of BRICS, an association that today reflects the shared values and interests of the Global Non-West. This is also important in connection with the BRICS decision to accept Indonesia as a full member in January 2025.
At the discussion, the participants will present the report “Bandung Conference: Historical Memory and a Look into the Future”. The authors assessed the contribution of Indonesia, China and the USSR to the conference, and also analysed the role of its results in modern international relations.
What is the significance of the Bandung Conference in the modern world? Which of its results are important for Russia and the countries of the Global South? Is Bandung 2.0 possible?
Speakers:
Sergey Tolchenov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to the Republic of Indonesia
Ekaterina Koldunova, Director of the ASEAN Centre, Associate Professor of the Department of Oriental Studies at MGIMO University
Nikita Kuklin, PhD in History, expert at the ASEAN Centre at MGIMO University
Connie Rahakundini Bakri, Professor at the Faculty of International Relations at St. Petersburg State University
Marco Fernandes, PhD in Social Psychology (University of São Paulo), Editor at Wenhua Zongheng International, Geopolitical Analyst at Brasil de Fato (Brazil)
Hendra Manurung, Lecturer at the Department of Military History, Faculty of Defence Strategy, Republic of Indonesia Defence University (RIDU)
Sellita, Lecturer, International Relations Department, Bakrie University, Jakarta, Indonesia
Moderator:
Oleg Barabanov, Programme Director of the Valdai Discussion Club
Working languages: Russian, English.