Valdai Club

The key area that makes it possible for Asia to develop independently is the economy. Here the prospects are very impressive. Of course, we need to look at the situation soberly, to see both the difficulties and specific obstacles, which could impede us in achieving economic prosperity. However, the future is open, it can and should be built consciously, step by step, writes Valdai Club Chairman Andrey Bystritskiy. 

It has become particularly banal to say that the world is changing irreversibly, that we have witnessed the formation of a new world order, a change in the configuration of human society. Most likely this is true, and — perhaps — the truth is painful. Therefore, the main question is how to respond to these changes, how to treat them, and what strategy to choose.

There are many types of human reactions to stress, to sudden changes in situations. Some freeze for a while, considering every ill-conceived movement an additional risk. Others may take flight in an attempt to move away from the source of uncertainty. Still others take an exploratory and creative approach. They analyse what is happening and try to find a model of behaviour in which they themselves adapt to what is happening, and adapt what is happening to themselves.

There is a point of view that our ancestors, hunter-gatherers who lived thousands of years ago, often differed precisely in their creative approach, tirelessly explored the environment, observed both the starry sky and the behaviour of animals, and even changed the environment, making it more convenient, comfortable and safe for themselves.

Probably, it makes no sense to delve into the list of minerals or list the species of commercial fish in these parts. These circumstances are, of course, very important; without this foundation, any development would be extremely difficult. However, I think there are other, very important circumstances.

First, the amazing political configuration of the entire Asia-Pacific region. Aside from a few long-smouldering conflicts, the region as a whole is surprisingly peaceful, and mostly cooperative. I would not like to underestimate the importance of the story with Taiwan or the Spratly Islands, but nevertheless, the countries’ readiness for constructive cooperation in the region is an order of magnitude more pronounced than the desire to aggravate controversial issues. Thus, the political space of the Asia-Pacific region is quite comfortable for the accelerated development of social and economic ties between the countries of this, and not only this region. The Russian Far East is a natural hub, a gateway through which Russia can effectively interact with the outside world.

Second, and this, in my opinion, is very important, the future of the Asia-Pacific region is open. It is only taking shape before our eyes and, I hope, with Russia’s participation. In recent years, Russia has turned very effectively towards Asia. But Asia is also turning towards Russia. Moreover, the countries of the region are mainly pursuing foreign policy independently and are not about to join the West in its desire to weaken and isolate Russia – at the very least. On the contrary, Asia obviously needs a strong and independent Russia capable of ensuring a balance of power in the region, creating conditions for equal relations between very different countries: China and Myanmar, Thailand and Indonesia, Vietnam and Malaysia, and many others. The countries of the Asia-Pacific region are also very well aware that they face a very difficult task — a combination of development and preservation of their cultural and even civilisational identity. Although this task is difficult, there are enough opportunities to solve it. At the same time, the main guarantee of success is an open-ended future. The previous development of the region has been so rapid that new generations of people have formed: they are young and energetic enough to resolutely invest in their future.

Finally, there is probably the most important circumstance — the presence in some countries of the Asia-Pacific region of a developed, creative middle class. Russia is certainly among these countries. The presence of such a middle class, that is, a layer of people who make money on innovation, on the advanced technologies, creates an additional dimension of the development of the region as a whole. This dimension turns the design of the future into a rational task, the solution of which depends on the talents of people and on their ability to reach agreements and get along with each other.

Thus, the Asia-Pacific region has received a unique chance for accelerated and thoughtful development.

Of course, creativity is common to all people. It is hardly reasonable to think that people on one continent are smarter than those on another. It’s a matter of circumstance here. The fact is that Asia features stark contrasts and is exceptionally diverse. There is a great difference in terms of potentials, the forces of attraction, and accumulated experience with both disappointments and successes. The history of almost all Asian countries is full of them: there is a colonial past, and heavy exploitation, wars, violence and discrimination. But there is the experience of gaining independence, victories over enemies, enchanting economic growth. I have already mentioned the obvious reluctance of Asian countries to follow in the wake of the West. This is largely connected with the region’s aforementioned historical experience, in many ways simply with the desire to live independently, to build their societies in accordance with the wishes of their own people, relying on a combination of tradition and innovation.

In many Asian countries, we see the emergence of new identities; new types of society.

The point here is that the key area that makes it possible to develop independently is the economy. Here the prospects are very impressive. Of course, we need to look at the situation soberly, to see both the difficulties and specific obstacles, which could impede us in achieving economic prosperity. However, the future is open, it can and should be built consciously, step by step.

How this will happen will be discussed at the traditional Valdai Club session as part of the Eastern Economic Forum on September 11, titled “Open Far East in the World Economy: Achievements and Plans for the Future”.